Lynn, MA Salary Guide: The Real Cost of Earning $100k

You see the $100,000 offer letter. It looks solid. But you aren't getting $100,000. You are getting $73,736. This guide breaks down exactly what that money buys you in Lynn, Massachusetts, and why the tax burden changes your lifestyle immediately.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let's run the numbers. The "sticker price" of your labor is $100,000. However, the government takes its cut before your rent money is even in the picture.

The Deduction Breakdown:

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (MA): -$5,000
• Local Tax: $0
• Net Take-Home: $73,736

The Analysis:
You are losing 26.3% of your gross income to taxes. That is standard for Massachusetts, but it stings.

The $5,000 state tax is the culprit here. Unlike New Hampshire (which only taxes dividends and interest), Massachusetts hits your earned income hard. You are paying $416 per month just for the privilege of working in the Bay State.

The Bottom Line: Your annual loss is $26,264. If you want to maintain your lifestyle, you need to earn $126,264 in a tax-free state like Texas or Florida to net the same amount.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net of $6,145, you have breathing room, but you aren't wealthy yet. Here is how to allocate that cash flow to build wealth rather than just survive.

Needs ($3,072/mo)

This bucket covers your survival. In Lynn, $3,072 is tight but doable if you are disciplined.

• Rent: You can afford a solid $2,400 - $2,500 apartment. This gets you a modern one-bedroom near the Lynn Commons or a renovated unit near the Swampscott border. You will not be living in Back Bay, but you get waterfront access for a fraction of the Boston price.
• Utilities & Transport: That leaves ~$500 for Eversource (bring a sweater, it’s expensive), internet, and the commuter rail pass ($270/mo) or gas for your car.
• Verdict: You can live alone and eat well, provided you don't have high-interest debt payments.

Wants ($1,843/mo)

This is your lifestyle budget.

• Dining & Entertainment: Lynn has a booming food scene. You can eat at The Lynnway, hit High Rock, and still have cash for Boston nightlife.
• Shopping: This budget covers subscriptions, clothes, and tech upgrades.
• Verdict: You have significant purchasing power here. You don't have to say "no" to friends often.

Savings ($1,229/mo)

This is where you build actual wealth.

• The Strategy: $1,229/mo is a strong savings rate. If you put this into a low-cost S&P 500 index fund (assuming a conservative 7% return), you are looking at $200,000+ in 10 years—and that’s without employer matching or raises.
• Verdict: At $100k in Lynn, you are in the "wealth creation" phase. Do not blow this on a luxury car lease.

Lynn Taxes vs The Competition

How does the $5,000 MA state tax compare to other hubs?

Lynn vs. Austin, Texas:

• Austin: No state income tax. Your take-home pay would be roughly $78,736 (just paying Federal/FICA).
• The Difference: Austin keeps you ahead by $5,000/year.
• The Catch: Property taxes in Texas are brutal. If you buy a home, the tax man eventually catches up. In Lynn, you pay the income tax upfront, but property tax rates are generally more stable.

Lynn vs. New York City:

• NYC: You pay NYS tax (up to 6.85%) plus NYC tax (up to 3.87%).
• The Difference: On $100k, NYC could take an additional $6,000 to $8,000 in local taxes compared to Lynn.
• The Verdict: Lynn is a massive tax discount compared to NYC. You keep more of your paycheck here than you would in Manhattan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Lynn?
A: Massachusetts has a flat 5% personal income tax rate. This applies to wages earned in Lynn. There is no local city income tax.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Lynn?
A: Yes. It is above the median household income for the city. It allows for a comfortable lifestyle, renting a modern apartment, and saving over $1,200 monthly. It is not "buy a Beacon Hill brownstone" money, but it is excellent financial footing.

Q: Does Lynn have a local city tax?
A: No. Lynn does not levy a local income tax on residents.

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Methodology: Calculations based on IRS 2026 Tax Brackets (Standard Deduction applied), FICA rates (7.65%), and Massachusetts State Tax laws. Income data verified against Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage reports.