Side-by-side tax comparison between Missouri (4% top rate, flat) and Ohio (2.75% top rate, flat). 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 Ohio has a flat system (2.75% flat + local). On a $100K salary, Missouri takes $4,000 in state and local taxes compared to Ohio’s $2,750 \u2014 a difference of $1,250.
Both states use flat brackets, but Missouri’s top rate of 4% is higher than Ohio’s 2.75%.
Both states also impose local income taxes, adding further complexity. The local tax burden can vary significantly by city and county within each state.
Ohio wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Missouri | Ohio | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,720 | $33,220 | +$500 | Ohio |
| $50K | $40,355 | $40,980 | +$625 | Ohio |
| $60K | $47,990 | $48,740 | +$750 | Ohio |
| $75K | $58,538 | $59,475 | +$938 | Ohio |
| $100K | $75,125 | $76,375 | +$1,250 | Ohio |
| $120K | $88,395 | $89,895 | +$1,500 | Ohio |
| $150K | $107,751 | $109,626 | +$1,875 | Ohio |
| $200K | $140,887 | $143,387 | +$2,500 | Ohio |
| $250K | $173,264 | $176,389 | +$3,125 | Ohio |
| $300K | $203,329 | $207,079 | +$3,750 | Ohio |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Missouri has a cost of living index of 89 while Ohio is at 90 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (89 vs 90), 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 $84,861 in Ohio.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,710 in Missouri and $81,960 in Ohio \u2014 a difference of $1,250. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Missouri to Ohio would save $1,250/year on a $100K salary, or $6,250 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,250/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.