Side-by-side tax comparison between Missouri (4% top rate, flat) and North Dakota (2.5% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Missouri uses a flat income tax (4% flat) while North Dakota has a graduated system (0-1.95-2.5%). On a $100K salary, Missouri takes $4,000 in state and local taxes compared to North Dakota’s $1,625 \u2014 a difference of $2,375.
Because Missouri has flat brackets while North Dakota is graduated, the gap between them changes at different income levels. Missouri’s flat rate is predictable, while North Dakota’s graduated brackets may benefit lower earners but penalize higher incomes.
Missouri also has local income taxes (estimated at $0/year on $100K), which North Dakota does not. This widens the gap beyond just state rates.
North Dakota wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Missouri | North Dakota | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,720 | $33,670 | +$950 | North Dakota |
| $50K | $40,355 | $41,543 | +$1,188 | North Dakota |
| $60K | $47,990 | $49,415 | +$1,425 | North Dakota |
| $75K | $58,538 | $60,319 | +$1,781 | North Dakota |
| $100K | $75,125 | $77,500 | +$2,375 | North Dakota |
| $120K | $88,395 | $91,245 | +$2,850 | North Dakota |
| $150K | $107,751 | $111,314 | +$3,563 | North Dakota |
| $200K | $140,887 | $145,637 | +$4,750 | North Dakota |
| $250K | $173,264 | $179,202 | +$5,938 | North Dakota |
| $300K | $203,329 | $210,454 | +$7,125 | North Dakota |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Missouri has a cost of living index of 89 while North Dakota is at 92 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (89 vs 92), the tax difference is the primary factor. What you see in raw take-home pay is essentially what you get in purchasing power: $84,410 in Missouri vs $84,239 in North Dakota.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,710 in Missouri and $83,085 in North Dakota \u2014 a difference of $2,375. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Missouri to North Dakota would save $2,375/year on a $100K salary, or $11,875 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,375/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.