Fall River, MA Salary Guide: The Real Value of a $100,000 Paycheck

In Fall River, the "Sticker Price" of a salary is a lie. The gap between what you earn and what you actually get to spend is determined by a gauntlet of federal and state deductions. This guide breaks down the raw math of living in the "Scholarship City" using hard data, not vague optimism.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s run the numbers on a $100,000 annual salary. This is the baseline for a comfortable single income in this region. Here is the brutal reality of your cash flow:

• Gross Income: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (MA): -$5,000
• Local Tax: $0

The Verdict:
You do not take home $100,000. You take home $73,736.

That is a "haircut" of 26.3% right off the top. While Massachusetts isn't the highest tax burden in the nation, that $5,000 state levy is a significant drag on your purchasing power. This leaves you with a monthly net of $6,145. This is the only number that matters for your budget.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With $6,145 landing in your bank account every month, how do you allocate it? We apply the strict 50/30/20 rule to ensure you are living within your means while building wealth.

Needs ($3,072/mo): The Rent Reality

This category covers housing, utilities, insurance, and groceries.

• The Cap: You have $3,072 to keep the lights on and a roof over your head.
• Fall River Context: Unlike Boston, Fall River offers value. You can secure a solid one-bedroom apartment or a modest two-bedroom for roughly $1,600 - $1,900.
• Purchasing Power: After rent and basic utilities ($2,200 total), you have roughly $872 remaining for food and transport. This is tight but manageable if you avoid lifestyle inflation. You are not priced out of the market, but you are not flush with cash.

Savings ($1,229/mo): Wealth Creation

This is your future.

• The Allocation: $1,229 per month is a respectable contribution to a 401(k) or brokerage account.
• The Strategy: If your employer matches 4%, you should be hitting that immediately. The remaining balance should go into a Roth IRA or high-yield savings account. Do not treat this as "extra" money—this is the fee you pay to stop working eventually.

Wants ($1,843/mo): The Lifestyle Factor

Dining out, streaming services, and hobbies.

• The Reality: $1,843 is a healthy discretionary budget for a single earner in a lower-cost city. You can afford to eat out, maintain a gym membership, and take weekend trips without stressing. However, if you buy a luxury vehicle, this category vanishes instantly.

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Fall River Taxes vs. The Competition

How much of your paycheck does Fall River keep? Let’s compare the total tax burden (Federal + State + FICA) on a $100k salary against two major competitors.

Fall River, MA

• Total Tax: ~$26,264
• Take Home: $73,736
• Vibe: No local tax, but the state income tax eats $5k.

New York City, NY (The Tax Vampire)

• Scenario: $100k Salary
• State Tax: ~$5,000 (Similar to MA)
• NYC Local Tax: ~$3,500 (An extra kick in the teeth)
• Result: You lose an additional $3,500 purely for the privilege of living in the five boroughs. Fall River saves you $291/month in pure tax leakage compared to NYC.

Austin, TX (The "No Tax" Myth)

• Scenario: $100k Salary
• State Tax: $0
• The Catch: Austin has some of the highest property taxes in the country. If you buy a home, the tax burden shifts from your income to your asset, often leveling out to a similar net cost over time. For renters, Austin wins on taxes; for homeowners, it’s a wash.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Fall River?
A: Fall River follows the Massachusetts state tax code. The state income tax is a flat 5% on ordinary income. There is no additional local city income tax.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Fall River?
A: Yes. A $100,000 salary provides a monthly net of $6,145. This is significantly above the cost of living for a single person in Fall River. It allows for comfortable housing, savings, and disposable income, whereas in Boston, this same salary would be considered "getting by."

Q: Does Fall River have a local city tax?
A: No. As of the current tax year, Fall River does not levy a specific municipal income tax on residents. Your tax burden is limited to Federal obligations and Massachusetts State taxes.

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Disclaimer: This analysis is based on 2026 IRS projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, and Massachusetts State Comptroller figures. Tax estimates are for single filers taking the standard deduction; actual liabilities may vary based on dependents, deductions, and specific investment scenarios.