The Real Take-Home Pay: A Salary Guide for Hampton, VA

You see the offer letter: $100,000. It feels like a milestone. But in the financial world, the "sticker price" is a lie. It is not what you spend; it is what you keep.

This guide breaks down the math behind a $100,000 salary in Hampton, Virginia. We strip away the tax drag to reveal your actual purchasing power, your budget limitations, and your wealth-building potential.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let's run the verification test. We are taking a gross annual salary of $100,000 and running it through the 2026 tax grinder.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (VA): -$5,750
• Local Tax: $0

The Bottom Line:
Your "Sticker Price" is $100,000. Your Take Home Pay is $72,986.

That is a retention rate of roughly 73%. You lose 27% of your compensation to taxes before it ever hits your checking account. In raw dollars, Uncle Sam and the State of Virginia claim $27,014 of your labor annually.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a net annual income of $72,986, your monthly take-home pay is $6,082. We apply the 50/30/20 rule to determine if this salary offers stability or stress.

Needs: $3,041 / Month (50%)

This bucket covers rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, and transportation.

• Purchasing Power: In Hampton, $3,041 is sufficient to secure a modern one-bedroom apartment or a modest two-bedroom rental in a safe neighborhood. You can cover utilities and keep a car on the road without panic.
• The Reality: You are not "house poor." You meet the standard definition of affordability, but you have no margin for catastrophic failure in this category.

Wants: $1,825 / Month (30%)

This is your discretionary income—dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, and travel.

• Lifestyle Cap: This is a healthy budget for entertainment. You can eat out frequently and maintain hobbies. However, if you lease a luxury vehicle, this entire category evaporates. Spend wisely.

Savings: $1,216 / Month (20%)

This is the wealth creation engine.

• The Build: Saving $1,216 monthly is significant. Over one year, that is $14,592.
  • If invested in a diversified index fund (historical 7% return), this compounds into substantial wealth over a decade.
  • This is the difference between living paycheck-to-paycheck and building a safety net.

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Hampton Taxes vs The Competition

Why settle for a high tax drag? Virginia is a right-to-work state with a tax structure designed to keep more of your money in your pocket.

The Competition: New York City
If you earned $100,000 in NYC, your state and city taxes would be brutal. You would likely net around $64,000 (approx. $5,300/mo).

• Hampton Advantage: You take home nearly $9,000 more per year than your NYC counterpart.

The Competition: Austin, Texas
While Texas has "no state income tax," they gouge you with high property taxes and sales taxes. Virginia offers a balanced approach.

• Hampton Advantage: Virginia's tax burden is predictable. You aren't getting hit with 8% sales tax on groceries and services like you do in Texas metros.

Hampton offers a distinct financial advantage: Low Tax Burden + Coastal Living.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Hampton?
A: Virginia uses a progressive tax bracket system. For a $100,000 salary, your effective state income tax rate is approximately 5.75%. Combined with Federal and FICA taxes, your total tax burden is roughly 27%.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Hampton?
A: Yes. It places you well above the local median household income. It allows for a comfortable lifestyle, the ability to rent a modern unit near the waterfront, and the capacity to save over $1,200 monthly.

Q: Does Hampton have a local city tax?
A: No. The City of Hampton does not levy a local income tax on residents.

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Disclaimer: The calculations in this guide are estimates based on the 2026 IRS Tax Tables, Social Security Administration FICA rates, and the Virginia State Comptroller’s tax brackets. Actual withholdings may vary based on specific deductions, 401(k) contributions, or healthcare premiums.