Minnesota vs Wisconsin Take-Home Pay Showdown
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Tax analysis shows 9.85% in Minnesota versus 7.65% in Wisconsin, working out to about $1,320 annually for $60,000 earners. Wisconsin balances this with Midwest values. Whether that $1,320 outweighs Minnesota's edge in job market varies by individual priorities.
Minnesota and Wisconsin differ notably on income tax: 9.85% versus 7.65%. The practical impact at $60,000 runs about $1,320 per year. Most people considering a move look at this alongside cost of living, job market, and lifestyle factors.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Minnesota at 9.85% vs Wisconsin at 7.65%
- **Annual savings** (on $60,000): Wisconsin saves you ~$1,320
- **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 | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 5.35% - 9.85% | 3.54% - 7.65% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,040
Take Home: $36,960
|
State Tax: $2,238
Take Home: $37,762
+$802
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,560
Take Home: $55,440
|
State Tax: $3,357
Take Home: $56,643
+$1,203
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $7,600
Take Home: $92,400
|
State Tax: $5,595
Take Home: $94,405
+$2,005
|
| 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. | Wisconsin delivers good value throughout most regions. Milwaukee and Madison offer genuine metropolitan amenities with housing costs 40-50% below expensive metros. Quality homes typically sell for $200,000-300,000. Smaller cities provide even better value. Property taxes can be substantial, particularly in areas with strong schools. Heating costs significant during harsh winters. Overall, income stretches considerably further than in high-cost states. |
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
Wisconsin
✓ Advantages
- Strong manufacturing and agriculture sectors
- Excellent quality of life
- Good education systems statewide
- Lower cost of living than coastal states
- Beautiful natural areas and outdoor recreation
⚠ Considerations
- Higher state income tax (up to 7.65%)
- Very cold winters with heavy snow
- Some areas face population decline
- Property taxes can be high
- Sales tax at 5% plus local additions
Bottom Line
Tax-wise, Wisconsin wins with about $1,320 annual savings at $60,000. Minnesota maintains pull through Midwest values, which resonates particularly with dairy farmers. Recent trends show corporate workers moving to Wisconsin, though Minnesota continues drawing people who prioritize {factor}.📢 Share This Comparison
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