Side-by-side tax comparison between Vermont (8.75% 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.
Vermont uses a graduated income tax (3.35-8.75%) while Wisconsin has a graduated system (3.5-7.65%). On a $100K salary, Vermont takes $5,688 in state and local taxes compared to Wisconsin’s $4,973 \u2014 a difference of $715.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Vermont’s top rate of 8.75% is higher than Wisconsin’s 7.65%.
Wisconsin wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Vermont | Wisconsin | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,045 | $32,331 | +$286 | Wisconsin |
| $50K | $39,511 | $39,869 | +$358 | Wisconsin |
| $60K | $46,978 | $47,407 | +$429 | Wisconsin |
| $75K | $57,272 | $57,808 | +$536 | Wisconsin |
| $100K | $73,438 | $74,153 | +$715 | Wisconsin |
| $120K | $86,370 | $87,228 | +$858 | Wisconsin |
| $150K | $105,220 | $106,292 | +$1,073 | Wisconsin |
| $200K | $137,512 | $138,942 | +$1,430 | Wisconsin |
| $250K | $169,045 | $170,833 | +$1,788 | Wisconsin |
| $300K | $198,266 | $200,411 | +$2,145 | Wisconsin |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Vermont has a cost of living index of 105 while Wisconsin is at 93 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $69,940 in Vermont vs $79,734 in Wisconsin. The take-home winner also wins on purchasing power.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $79,023 in Vermont and $79,738 in Wisconsin \u2014 a difference of $715. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Vermont to Wisconsin would save $715/year on a $100K salary, or $3,575 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $715/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.