Side-by-side tax comparison between Ohio (2.75% top rate, flat) 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.
Ohio uses a flat income tax (2.75% flat + local) while Wisconsin has a graduated system (3.5-7.65%). On a $100K salary, Ohio takes $2,750 in state and local taxes compared to Wisconsin’s $4,973 \u2014 a difference of $2,223.
Because Ohio has flat brackets while Wisconsin is graduated, the gap between them changes at different income levels. Ohio’s flat rate is predictable, while Wisconsin’s graduated brackets may benefit lower earners but penalize higher incomes.
Ohio also has local income taxes (estimated at $0/year on $100K), which Wisconsin does not. This widens the gap beyond just state rates.
Ohio wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Ohio | Wisconsin | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $33,220 | $32,331 | −$889 | Ohio |
| $50K | $40,980 | $39,869 | −$1,111 | Ohio |
| $60K | $48,740 | $47,407 | −$1,334 | Ohio |
| $75K | $59,475 | $57,808 | −$1,667 | Ohio |
| $100K | $76,375 | $74,153 | −$2,223 | Ohio |
| $120K | $89,895 | $87,228 | −$2,667 | Ohio |
| $150K | $109,626 | $106,292 | −$3,334 | Ohio |
| $200K | $143,387 | $138,942 | −$4,445 | Ohio |
| $250K | $176,389 | $170,833 | −$5,556 | Ohio |
| $300K | $207,079 | $200,411 | −$6,668 | Ohio |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Ohio has a cost of living index of 90 while Wisconsin is at 93 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (90 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: $84,861 in Ohio vs $79,734 in Wisconsin.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $81,960 in Ohio and $79,738 in Wisconsin \u2014 a difference of $2,223. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Wisconsin to Ohio would save $2,223/year on a $100K salary, or $11,113 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,223/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.