Side-by-side tax comparison between Kansas (5.7% 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.
Kansas uses a graduated income tax (3.1-5.7%) while Minnesota has a graduated system (5.35-9.85%). On a $100K salary, Kansas takes $3,705 in state and local taxes compared to Minnesota’s $6,402 \u2014 a difference of $2,697.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Minnesota’s top rate of 9.85% is higher than Kansas’s 5.7%.
Kansas wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Kansas | Minnesota | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,838 | $31,759 | −$1,079 | Kansas |
| $50K | $40,503 | $39,154 | −$1,349 | Kansas |
| $60K | $48,167 | $46,549 | −$1,619 | Kansas |
| $75K | $58,759 | $56,736 | −$2,023 | Kansas |
| $100K | $75,420 | $72,723 | −$2,698 | Kansas |
| $120K | $88,749 | $85,512 | −$3,237 | Kansas |
| $150K | $108,194 | $104,147 | −$4,046 | Kansas |
| $200K | $141,477 | $136,082 | −$5,395 | Kansas |
| $250K | $174,002 | $167,258 | −$6,744 | Kansas |
| $300K | $204,214 | $196,121 | −$8,093 | Kansas |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Kansas has a cost of living index of 90 while Minnesota is at 99 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $83,800 in Kansas vs $73,457 in Minnesota. The take-home winner also wins on purchasing power.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $81,005 in Kansas and $78,308 in Minnesota \u2014 a difference of $2,698. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Minnesota to Kansas would save $2,698/year on a $100K salary, or $13,488 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,698/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.