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Side-by-side Powerball comparisons
Three structured comparisons that answer the most common Powerball questions, with data tables for each.
Browse the three comparisons
- Lump sum vs annuityCash lump sum and 30-year annuity compared on size, tax, and flexibility.
- Powerball vs Mega MillionsSame tax rules, different jackpot math — Powerball and Mega Millions compared.
- High-tax vs no-tax statesHow state tax changes take-home on a $1B Powerball — New York vs Florida, modeled.
Frequently asked questions
Why three comparisons and not more?
These three cover the comparisons winners actually face: the payout election (cash vs annuity, irreversible), game selection (Powerball vs Mega Millions, identical tax rules), and where to claim (high-tax vs no-tax states). Other comparisons exist but are rarely decision-shaping.
Are the dollar figures in the comparisons current?
Cash-to-annuity ratios use long-run averages (60% for Powerball). State rates use the headline state income tax rate as of the 2026 tax year, sourced from state lottery disclosures and cross-checked against the Tax Foundation. Federal thresholds match the current single-filer brackets.
Does state tax apply to where I live or where I bought the ticket?
State tax is collected by the state that sold the ticket, not your home state. If your home state also taxes lottery winnings, it usually credits the tax already withheld by the ticket-selling state. The "High-tax vs no-tax states" comparison covers the cross-state mechanics.
Do these comparisons cover Mega Millions tax separately?
Mega Millions and Powerball use identical federal and state tax rules. The "Powerball vs Mega Millions" comparison focuses on the differences that matter — jackpot size, cash value ratio, odds, and draw schedule — rather than re-explaining the tax math.
Run your own scenario
Use the calculator to apply the comparison numbers to any jackpot + state combination.