North Dakota vs Utah: Tax Impact on Your Salary
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Running the numbers on $60,000 shows 2.90% versus 4.85% creates about $1,170 in take-home difference. Utah stays competitive by offering outdoor recreation. Recent migration data indicates oil workers moving toward North Dakota, while skiers increasingly choose Utah.
When you're weighing North Dakota against Utah, taxes make a real difference in your paycheck. North Dakota tops out at 2.90%, while Utah reaches 4.85%. If you're pulling in $60,000, that spread works out to roughly $1,170 per year—though the tax number only tells part of the story.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: North Dakota at 2.90% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $60,000): North Dakota saves you ~$1,170
- **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 | North Dakota | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 1.1% - 2.9% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $800
Take Home: $39,200
+$1,140
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,200
Take Home: $58,800
+$1,710
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,000
Take Home: $98,000
+$2,850
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| Cost of Living | North Dakota offers affordable costs in most areas, though energy boom towns experienced temporary inflation. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot maintain housing costs well below national averages - quality homes typically sell for $200,000-300,000. Property taxes stay moderate. Heating costs run substantial given extreme winters - proper housing, vehicles, and heating add expenses not faced in milder climates. Groceries and services generally cost less than national averages. Overall affordability means moderate incomes support comfortable lifestyles for those willing to endure harsh winters. | 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
North Dakota
✓ Advantages
- Low cost of living
- Strong energy sector
- Low unemployment
- No state estate tax
⚠ Considerations
- Extremely cold winters
- Remote location
- Limited metro areas
- Oil industry volatility
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
North Dakota delivers measurable tax benefits—approximately $1,170 at $60,000. Utah attracts talent despite higher rates, primarily through outdoor recreation. oil workers demographics cluster in North Dakota, while skiers sectors find Utah's strengths worth the premium.📢 Share This Comparison
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