Utah vs Wisconsin: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Comparing 4.85% to 7.65% yields roughly $2,800 difference per year on $100,000. Wisconsin offsets taxes through Midwest values. While active families favor Utah's lower burden, dairy farmers frequently value Wisconsin's offerings in career opportunities more highly.
Between Utah's 4.85% and Wisconsin's 7.65%, the tax differential hits around $2,800 yearly at $100,000. 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**: Utah at 4.85% vs Wisconsin at 7.65%
- **Annual savings** (on $100,000): Utah saves you ~$2,800
- **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 | Utah | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 4.85% | 3.54% - 7.65% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
+$298
|
State Tax: $2,238
Take Home: $37,762
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
+$447
|
State Tax: $3,357
Take Home: $56,643
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
+$745
|
State Tax: $5,595
Take Home: $94,405
|
| Cost of Living | 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. | 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
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
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
Utah's 4.85% versus Wisconsin's 7.65% translates to roughly $2,800 advantage at $100,000. Wisconsin stays relevant by offering Midwest values. The decision often hinges on whether {factor} or direct tax savings carries more weight in your situation.📢 Share This Comparison
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