Minnesota vs Wisconsin: Take-Home Pay Compared
On a $100,000 salary you take home $73,463 in Minnesota and $74,752 in Wisconsin. That's $1,289 more per year ($107 a month) after moving to Wisconsin.
| Minnesota | Wisconsin | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| Social Security + Medicare | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| State income tax | $5,277 | $4,428 | -$849 |
| State payroll & local tax | $440 | $0 | -$440 |
| Take-home pay / year | $73,463 | $74,752 | $1,289 |
| Take-home / month | $6,122 | $6,229 | $107 |
| Total tax rate | 26.5% | 25.2% | -1.3% |
To match your Minnesota take-home pay, you would need about $98,000 in Wisconsin.
Minnesota vs Wisconsin at every salary
Single filer, 2026 tax year, no pre-tax deductions. Difference is Wisconsin minus Minnesota.
| Salary | Minnesota | Wisconsin | Yearly difference | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,823 | $33,236 | $414 | $34 |
| $50,000 | $40,258 | $40,778 | $520 | $43 |
| $60,000 | $47,569 | $48,320 | $751 | $63 |
| $75,000 | $57,686 | $58,649 | $963 | $80 |
| $100,000 | $73,463 | $74,752 | $1,289 | $107 |
| $125,000 | $89,174 | $90,792 | $1,618 | $135 |
| $150,000 | $104,189 | $106,482 | $2,293 | $191 |
| $200,000 | $135,246 | $138,968 | $3,722 | $310 |
| $250,000 | $164,929 | $170,573 | $5,644 | $470 |
Why the difference?
Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are identical in both states, so the gap comes entirely from state-level taxes. Minnesota has income tax rates from 5.35% to 9.85%, while Wisconsin has income tax rates from 3.50% to 7.65%. Minnesota also withholds Minnesota Paid Leave.
Income tax is only part of the picture: states without an income tax often rely more on sales and property taxes, and housing costs vary far more than taxes do. Use this comparison for your paycheck, then weigh it against rent or mortgage costs in the cities you are considering.
Commuting across the line instead of moving? Read how taxes work when you live in one state and work in another. See the full breakdowns in the Minnesota paycheck calculator and the Wisconsin paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wisconsin cheaper than Minnesota for taxes?
For wage earners, Wisconsin takes less of your paycheck. On a $100,000 salary a single filer keeps $1,289 more per year in Wisconsin than in Minnesota ($107 per month). Minnesota has income tax rates from 5.35% to 9.85%; Wisconsin has income tax rates from 3.50% to 7.65%.
How much is $100,000 in Minnesota worth in Wisconsin?
To take home the same $73,463 you net on $100,000 in Minnesota, you would need a salary of about $98,000 in Wisconsin.
How much will I save moving from Minnesota to Wisconsin?
In income and payroll taxes, about $963 per year at $75,000, $1,289 at $100,000, and $2,293 at $150,000 (negative numbers mean you pay more in Wisconsin). Sales, property, and housing costs are not included.