The Real Value of $100,000 in Maricopa, AZ: A Salary & Tax Breakdown

You don't need a lecture on sticker prices; you need the net number. In Maricopa, Arizona, a six-figure salary is a benchmark for financial comfort, but the gap between gross and net is where the reality lives.

Here is the data-driven breakdown of your purchasing power in Maricopa County.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let's run the verification test to see what actually hits your bank account versus what HR promises on your offer letter.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (AZ): -$2,500
• Local Tax: -$0
• Total Deductions: -$23,764
• Take Home Pay: $76,236

The Analysis:
The "sticker price" of $100,000 is an illusion. You are losing roughly 23.8% of your gross income to taxes and contributions. However, compared to high-tax metros, this retention rate is strong. You are keeping over three-quarters of every dollar you earn.

Your annual take-home is $76,236, which translates to a monthly net of $6,353.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With $6,353 hitting your account monthly, here is how you allocate capital using the 50/30/20 rule to maximize wealth in Maricopa.

Needs ($3,176/mo): The Rent Reality

The "Needs" category is capped at $3,176. In the Phoenix metro area (Maricopa County), this is a tight but feasible boundary for a single earner.

• Housing: You can comfortably rent a modern 1-bedroom apartment in desirable parts of the county (like Scottsdale or Tempe) or a 2-bedroom unit further south for $1,800–$2,200.
• Purchasing Power: Strictly adhering to the 50% rule, a $100k salary limits your mortgage affordability. However, if you are debt-free, stretching your "Needs" budget to $3,500 allows for a down-payment savings plan on a $400k home.

Savings ($1,271/mo): Wealth Creation

Allocating $1,271 monthly is the difference between working for life and retiring early.

• Roth IRA: Fully fund a Roth IRA (~$583/mo).
• 401k Match: Ensure you capture the full employer match (pre-tax).
• Brokerage: The remaining ~$600 should go into a low-cost index fund. In Maricopa, where the cost of living is rising but not yet coastal levels, this savings rate is your hedge against inflation.

Wants ($1,906/mo): Discretionary Spending

$1,906 is a healthy discretionary budget. This covers dining out in Phoenix, fuel (gas is relatively cheap here), entertainment, and travel. Unless you drive a luxury vehicle with a high note, this category should not feel restrictive.

Maricopa Taxes vs. The Competition

To understand the value of the $2,500 State Tax deduction, you have to look at the alternative.

• Maricopa, AZ: You pay $2,500 in state tax.
• New York City (NYC): You would pay roughly $5,800 in state tax plus another $4,300 in city tax. Total: ~$10,100.
• Austin, TX: You pay $0 State Tax, but Austin has a massive effective property tax rate (approx. 1.8% vs AZ's 0.6%). If you own a home, Arizona is significantly cheaper.

The Verdict: The $2,500 Arizona tax bill is a bargain. It buys you access to the Phoenix job market and infrastructure without the brutal income tax extraction of the East Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Maricopa?
Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.5%. For a $100,000 salary, this results in a state tax liability of $2,500.

Q: Is $100,000 a good salary in Maricopa?
Yes. It is well above the median household income for the area. It provides a single person with the ability to rent comfortably, save over $15,000 annually, and enjoy discretionary spending.

Q: Does Maricopa have a local city tax?
No. Maricopa County and the City of Maricopa do not levy a local income tax on wages. Your only deductions are Federal, FICA, and the flat State rate.

• Methodology: Calculations based on IRS 2026 tax brackets (Standard Deduction applied), FICA rates (7.65%), and Arizona State tax tables. Budget allocations follow the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Survey baseline.
• Sources: IRS Tax Tables, Arizona Department of Revenue, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).