Side-by-side tax comparison between Alaska (no income tax) and North Dakota (2.5% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Alaska has no state income tax, while North Dakota uses a graduated system with rates of 0-1.95-2.5%. On a $100K salary, this creates a state tax difference of $1,625/year that Alaska residents simply don’t pay.
North Dakota’s graduated brackets mean the gap between these two states widens at higher salaries. At $200K, the state tax difference grows to $3,250/year, while at $50K it’s only $813.
Alaska wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Alaska | North Dakota | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $34,320 | $33,670 | −$650 | Alaska |
| $50K | $42,355 | $41,543 | −$813 | Alaska |
| $60K | $50,390 | $49,415 | −$975 | Alaska |
| $75K | $61,538 | $60,319 | −$1,219 | Alaska |
| $100K | $79,125 | $77,500 | −$1,625 | Alaska |
| $120K | $93,195 | $91,245 | −$1,950 | Alaska |
| $150K | $113,751 | $111,314 | −$2,438 | Alaska |
| $200K | $148,887 | $145,637 | −$3,250 | Alaska |
| $250K | $183,264 | $179,202 | −$4,063 | Alaska |
| $300K | $215,329 | $210,454 | −$4,875 | Alaska |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Alaska has a cost of living index of 127 while North Dakota is at 92 (national average = 100).
This is a substantial difference. After adjusting for cost of living, $100K in Alaska has purchasing power of $62,303 compared to $84,239 in North Dakota. Interestingly, North Dakota wins on purchasing power even though Alaska has higher raw take-home pay. The cost of living difference more than offsets the tax advantage.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $84,710 in Alaska and $83,085 in North Dakota \u2014 a difference of $1,625. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from North Dakota to Alaska would save $1,625/year on a $100K salary, or $8,125 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,625/year, the tax difference alone likely isn’t worth relocating for. Other factors — job market, lifestyle, family — should drive the decision. The tax savings are a nice bonus if you’re already considering the move for other reasons.