Side-by-side tax comparison between Minnesota (9.85% top rate, graduated) and Missouri (4% top rate, flat). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Minnesota uses a graduated income tax (5.35-9.85%) while Missouri has a flat system (4% flat). On a $100K salary, Minnesota takes $6,402 in state and local taxes compared to Missouri’s $4,000 \u2014 a difference of $2,402.
Because Minnesota has graduated brackets while Missouri is flat, the gap between them changes at different income levels. Minnesota’s rates increase with income, so high earners feel the difference more acutely.
Missouri also has local income taxes (estimated at $0/year on $100K), which Minnesota does not.
Missouri wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Minnesota | Missouri | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $31,759 | $32,720 | +$961 | Missouri |
| $50K | $39,154 | $40,355 | +$1,201 | Missouri |
| $60K | $46,549 | $47,990 | +$1,442 | Missouri |
| $75K | $56,736 | $58,538 | +$1,802 | Missouri |
| $100K | $72,723 | $75,125 | +$2,403 | Missouri |
| $120K | $85,512 | $88,395 | +$2,883 | Missouri |
| $150K | $104,147 | $107,751 | +$3,604 | Missouri |
| $200K | $136,082 | $140,887 | +$4,805 | Missouri |
| $250K | $167,258 | $173,264 | +$6,006 | Missouri |
| $300K | $196,121 | $203,329 | +$7,208 | Missouri |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Minnesota has a cost of living index of 99 while Missouri is at 89 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $73,457 in Minnesota vs $84,410 in Missouri. The take-home winner also wins on purchasing power.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $78,308 in Minnesota and $80,710 in Missouri \u2014 a difference of $2,403. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Minnesota to Missouri would save $2,403/year on a $100K salary, or $12,013 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,403/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.