Side-by-side tax comparison between Connecticut (6.99% top rate, graduated) and Wisconsin (7.65% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Connecticut uses a graduated income tax (3-6.99%) while Wisconsin has a graduated system (3.5-7.65%). On a $100K salary, Connecticut takes $4,544 in state and local taxes compared to Wisconsin’s $4,973 \u2014 a difference of $429.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Wisconsin’s top rate of 7.65% is higher than Connecticut’s 6.99%.
Connecticut wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Connecticut | Wisconsin | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,503 | $32,331 | −$172 | Connecticut |
| $50K | $40,083 | $39,869 | −$215 | Connecticut |
| $60K | $47,664 | $47,407 | −$257 | Connecticut |
| $75K | $58,130 | $57,808 | −$322 | Connecticut |
| $100K | $74,582 | $74,153 | −$429 | Connecticut |
| $120K | $87,743 | $87,228 | −$515 | Connecticut |
| $150K | $106,936 | $106,292 | −$644 | Connecticut |
| $200K | $139,800 | $138,942 | −$858 | Connecticut |
| $250K | $171,905 | $170,833 | −$1,073 | Connecticut |
| $300K | $201,698 | $200,411 | −$1,287 | Connecticut |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Connecticut has a cost of living index of 111 while Wisconsin is at 93 (national average = 100).
This is a substantial difference. After adjusting for cost of living, $100K in Connecticut has purchasing power of $67,191 compared to $79,734 in Wisconsin. Interestingly, Wisconsin wins on purchasing power even though Connecticut 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 $80,167 in Connecticut and $79,738 in Wisconsin \u2014 a difference of $429. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Wisconsin to Connecticut would save $429/year on a $100K salary, or $2,145 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $429/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.