Side-by-side tax comparison between Delaware (6.6% top rate, graduated) and Minnesota (9.85% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Delaware uses a graduated income tax (2.2-6.6%) while Minnesota has a graduated system (5.35-9.85%). On a $100K salary, Delaware takes $4,290 in state and local taxes compared to Minnesota’s $6,402 \u2014 a difference of $2,112.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Minnesota’s top rate of 9.85% is higher than Delaware’s 6.6%.
Delaware also has local income taxes (estimated at $0/year on $100K), which Minnesota does not. This widens the gap beyond just state rates.
Delaware wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Delaware | Minnesota | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,604 | $31,759 | −$845 | Delaware |
| $50K | $40,210 | $39,154 | −$1,056 | Delaware |
| $60K | $47,816 | $46,549 | −$1,268 | Delaware |
| $75K | $58,320 | $56,736 | −$1,584 | Delaware |
| $100K | $74,835 | $72,723 | −$2,113 | Delaware |
| $120K | $88,047 | $85,512 | −$2,535 | Delaware |
| $150K | $107,316 | $104,147 | −$3,169 | Delaware |
| $200K | $140,307 | $136,082 | −$4,225 | Delaware |
| $250K | $172,539 | $167,258 | −$5,281 | Delaware |
| $300K | $202,459 | $196,121 | −$6,338 | Delaware |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Delaware has a cost of living index of 102 while Minnesota is at 99 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (102 vs 99), the tax difference is the primary factor. What you see in raw take-home pay is essentially what you get in purchasing power: $73,368 in Delaware vs $73,457 in Minnesota.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,420 in Delaware and $78,308 in Minnesota \u2014 a difference of $2,113. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Minnesota to Delaware would save $2,113/year on a $100K salary, or $10,563 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,113/year savings is meaningful but probably not enough to justify a move on its own. However, combined with other factors like career growth, lifestyle preferences, or family proximity, it could tip the scale.