Minnesota vs Washington: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Breaking down 9.85% versus no income tax shows roughly $8,373 difference yearly for $85,000 professionals. Washington offsets higher taxes with no income tax. The choice increasingly depends on whether lifestyle preferences or direct savings matters more to individual circumstances.
Between Minnesota's 9.85% and Washington's no income tax, the tax differential hits around $8,373 yearly at $85,000. That's real money in anyone's book, even if the decision ultimately comes down to more than just tax policy.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Minnesota at 9.85% vs Washington at no income tax
- **Annual savings** (on $85,000): Washington saves you ~$8,373
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Minnesota | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 5.35% - 9.85% | No Income Tax Winner |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,040
Take Home: $36,960
|
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $40,000
+$3,040
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,560
Take Home: $55,440
|
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $60,000
+$4,560
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $7,600
Take Home: $92,400
|
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $100,000
+$7,600
|
| Cost of Living | Minnesota offers moderate living costs that help offset higher taxes. Minneapolis-St. Paul provides metropolitan amenities with housing prices well below coastal markets - quality homes in good suburbs often sell for $300,000-400,000. Rochester and Duluth offer better value. Property taxes can be substantial, funding strong schools and services. Heating costs run high during severe winters. Groceries and services cost near national averages. Despite high state taxes, your net income typically provides comfortable lifestyle thanks to moderate housing costs and excellent public services that reduce other expenses. | Washington costs split dramatically. Seattle metro ranks among America's most expensive - median home prices often exceed $700,000-800,000 in desirable areas. Monthly rent for decent apartments runs $2,000-3,000. Sales tax reaches 10% in Seattle. Spokane and Eastern Washington offer substantially better value. Property taxes significant. The no-income-tax advantage creates benefit, though Seattle housing costs require six-figure incomes for comfortable family living. |
Pros & Cons
Minnesota
✓ Advantages
- Strong job market in healthcare, retail, and technology
- Excellent quality of life and education
- Good public services funded by higher taxes
- Minneapolis-St. Paul offers urban amenities
- Strong sense of community
⚠ Considerations
- High state income tax (up to 9.85%)
- Very cold winters with heavy snow
- Higher cost of living than some neighboring states
- Property taxes can be substantial
- Sales tax reaches 7-8% in many areas
Washington
✓ Advantages
- No state income tax provides major advantage
- Strong technology and aerospace sectors
- Beautiful natural scenery and outdoor recreation
- No state estate or inheritance tax
- High minimum wage in many cities
⚠ Considerations
- Very high cost of living in Seattle area
- High sales tax (often 10%+ in Seattle)
- Rainy weather for much of the year
- Traffic congestion severe in metro areas
- Property taxes offset lack of income tax
Bottom Line
Washington delivers measurable tax benefits—approximately $8,373 at $85,000. Minnesota attracts talent despite higher rates, primarily through no income tax. corporate workers demographics cluster in Washington, while outdoor lovers sectors find Minnesota's strengths worth the premium.📢 Share This Comparison
Help others make informed decisions about their paycheck