Minnesota vs Wisconsin:
Take-Home Pay Comparison
Side-by-side tax comparison between Minnesota (9.85% 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.
Tax Structure: Minnesota vs Wisconsin
Minnesota uses a graduated income tax (5.35-9.85%) while Wisconsin has a graduated system (3.5-7.65%). On a $100K salary, Minnesota takes $6,402 in state and local taxes compared to Wisconsin’s $4,973 \u2014 a difference of $1,430.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Minnesota’s top rate of 9.85% is higher than Wisconsin’s 7.65%.
Take-Home at Every Salary Level
Wisconsin wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Minnesota | Wisconsin | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $31,759 | $32,331 | +$572 | Wisconsin |
| $50K | $39,154 | $39,869 | +$715 | Wisconsin |
| $60K | $46,549 | $47,407 | +$858 | Wisconsin |
| $75K | $56,736 | $57,808 | +$1,073 | Wisconsin |
| $100K | $72,723 | $74,153 | +$1,430 | Wisconsin |
| $120K | $85,512 | $87,228 | +$1,716 | Wisconsin |
| $150K | $104,147 | $106,292 | +$2,145 | Wisconsin |
| $200K | $136,082 | $138,942 | +$2,860 | Wisconsin |
| $250K | $167,258 | $170,833 | +$3,575 | Wisconsin |
| $300K | $196,121 | $200,411 | +$4,290 | Wisconsin |
Cost of Living: Minnesota (99) vs Wisconsin (93)
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Minnesota has a cost of living index of 99 while Wisconsin is at 93 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $73,457 in Minnesota vs $79,734 in Wisconsin. The take-home winner also wins on purchasing power.
Married Filing Jointly: How It Changes the Comparison
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $79,293 in Minnesota and $80,503 in Wisconsin \u2014 a difference of $1,210. The gap narrows under married filing, as the wider brackets reduce the tax bite in both states.
Should You Move from Minnesota to Wisconsin?
On paper, moving from Minnesota to Wisconsin would save $1,430/year on a $100K salary, or $7,150 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,430/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.