Missouri vs Utah: Tax Impact on Your Salary
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Tax analysis shows 5.40% in Missouri versus 4.85% in Utah, working out to about $413 annually for $75,000 earners. Utah balances this with outdoor recreation. Whether that $413 outweighs Missouri's edge in family needs varies by individual priorities.
Missouri and Utah take different approaches to income tax—5.40% compared to 4.85%. Run the math on $75,000, and you're looking at around $413 yearly variance. Of course, taxes are just one piece of the relocation puzzle.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Missouri at 5.40% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $75,000): Utah saves you ~$413
- **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 | Missouri | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 1.5% - 5.4% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,380
Take Home: $38,620
+$560
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,070
Take Home: $57,930
+$840
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,450
Take Home: $96,550
+$1,400
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| Cost of Living | Missouri consistently ranks among America's most affordable states. St. Louis and Kansas City offer genuine metropolitan amenities - professional sports, cultural institutions, diverse dining - while maintaining housing costs 40-50% below expensive coastal markets. Quality homes in good neighborhoods typically sell for $200,000-300,000. Springfield, Columbia, and smaller cities provide even better value. Property taxes stay moderate statewide. Groceries, utilities, and services all cost substantially less than national averages. The dramatic affordability means moderate salaries support comfortable middle-class lifestyles that would require much higher incomes in expensive states. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
Pros & Cons
Missouri
✓ Advantages
- Moderate state income tax (max 5.3%)
- Very affordable cost of living
- Affordable housing throughout most areas
- Central location with good access
- No state tax on Social Security benefits
⚠ Considerations
- Some cities have additional local taxes
- Hot humid summers
- Some areas face economic challenges
- Sales tax varies widely by locality
- Limited public transportation
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
On pure tax math, Utah comes out ahead by about $413 per year at $75,000 (4.85% versus 5.40%). Missouri makes up ground through outdoor recreation, which matters considerably to many people. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize direct savings or value what Missouri offers in {factor} and overall lifestyle.📢 Share This Comparison
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