Side-by-side tax comparison between North Dakota (2.5% 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.
North Dakota uses a graduated income tax (0-1.95-2.5%) while Wisconsin has a graduated system (3.5-7.65%). On a $100K salary, North Dakota takes $1,625 in state and local taxes compared to Wisconsin’s $4,973 \u2014 a difference of $3,348.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Wisconsin’s top rate of 7.65% is higher than North Dakota’s 2.5%.
North Dakota wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | North Dakota | Wisconsin | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $33,670 | $32,331 | −$1,339 | North Dakota |
| $50K | $41,543 | $39,869 | −$1,674 | North Dakota |
| $60K | $49,415 | $47,407 | −$2,009 | North Dakota |
| $75K | $60,319 | $57,808 | −$2,511 | North Dakota |
| $100K | $77,500 | $74,153 | −$3,348 | North Dakota |
| $120K | $91,245 | $87,228 | −$4,017 | North Dakota |
| $150K | $111,314 | $106,292 | −$5,021 | North Dakota |
| $200K | $145,637 | $138,942 | −$6,695 | North Dakota |
| $250K | $179,202 | $170,833 | −$8,369 | North Dakota |
| $300K | $210,454 | $200,411 | −$10,043 | North Dakota |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. North Dakota has a cost of living index of 92 while Wisconsin is at 93 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (92 vs 93), the tax difference is the primary factor. What you see in raw take-home pay is essentially what you get in purchasing power: $84,239 in North Dakota vs $79,734 in Wisconsin.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $83,085 in North Dakota and $79,738 in Wisconsin \u2014 a difference of $3,348. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Wisconsin to North Dakota would save $3,348/year on a $100K salary, or $16,738 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $3,348/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.