1Colorado
Lowest21.3%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,592
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,999
- Net income (annual)
- $59,001
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Colorado vs Montana Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $285 less state income tax a year in Colorado than in Montana, which is about $24 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,223 in favor of Colorado.
Colorado: 4.4% flatMontana: up to 5.65%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare Colorado and Montana for your income
Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.
State comparison
Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.
2Montana
21.7%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,877
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $16,284
- Net income (annual)
- $58,716
Advanced analysis (optional)
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Colorado
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,333
Monthly take-home$4,917
Montana
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,357
Monthly take-home$4,893
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
Colorado vs Montana: how the two systems differ
| Colorado | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 4.4% | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 4.4% | 5.65% |
| Lowest rate | 4.4% | 4.7% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $16,100 standard deduction | $16,100 standard deduction |
State income tax and take-home pay at every salary
The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.
| Income | CO state tax | MT state tax | Difference | CO take-home | MT take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $612 | $653 | $42 less in Colorado | $25,673 | $25,632 |
| $40,000 | $1,052 | $1,123 | $72 less in Colorado | $33,268 | $33,197 |
| $50,000 | $1,492 | $1,593 | $102 less in Colorado | $40,863 | $40,762 |
| $60,000 | $1,932 | $2,063 | $132 less in Colorado | $48,458 | $48,327 |
| $75,000 | $2,592 | $2,877 | $285 less in Colorado | $59,001 | $58,716 |
| $100,000 | $3,692 | $4,289 | $598 less in Colorado | $75,488 | $74,891 |
| $150,000 | $5,892 | $7,114 | $1,223 less in Colorado | $107,899 | $106,677 |
| $250,000 | $10,292 | $12,764 | $2,473 less in Colorado | $172,890 | $170,418 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | CO state tax | MT state tax | Difference | CO take-home | MT take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,883 | $2,012 | $128 less in Colorado | $62,739 | $62,611 |
| $100,000 | $2,983 | $3,187 | $203 less in Colorado | $81,727 | $81,523 |
| $150,000 | $5,183 | $5,753 | $570 less in Colorado | $118,002 | $117,432 |
| $250,000 | $9,583 | $11,403 | $1,820 less in Colorado | $187,885 | $186,065 |
Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.
Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?
For a single filer, Colorado and Montana charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Colorado is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Colorado (single filers)
| 4.4% | Over $0 |
Montana (single filers)
| 4.7% | Up to $47,500 |
| 5.65% | Over $47,500 |
Full details for each state: Colorado income tax calculator and Montana income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Colorado vs Montana FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Colorado or Montana?+
Colorado is lower at $75,000: $2,592 of state income tax versus $2,877 in Montana. At $150,000 it is $5,892 in Colorado and $7,114 in Montana. For a single filer, Colorado and Montana charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Colorado is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Colorado versus Montana?+
A single filer keeping $75,488 a year in Colorado would keep $74,891 in Montana after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $598 a year, or $50 a month.
How do the Colorado and Montana income tax systems differ?+
Colorado uses a flat 4.4% rate; Montana uses progressive rates up to 5.65%. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this Colorado vs Montana comparison?+
No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.
Should I move from Colorado to Montana to save on taxes?+
State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.
Sources
- Tax Foundation: 2026 state individual income tax rates and brackets
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.
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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.