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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

Minnesota vs Montana Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $700 less state income tax a year in Montana than in Minnesota, which is about $58 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,828 in favor of Montana.

Minnesota: up to 9.85%Montana: up to 5.65%Updated October 10, 2026

Compare Minnesota 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.

1Montana

Lowest

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

2Minnesota

22.6%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$3,577
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$16,984
Net income (annual)
$58,016

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💰 Monthly breakdown

Your take-home pay, spread across the year

Montana

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,357
Monthly take-home$4,893

Minnesota

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,415
Monthly take-home$4,835

Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.

Minnesota vs Montana: how the two systems differ

MinnesotaMontana
Wage income taxProgressive, 4 bracketsProgressive, 2 brackets
Top rate9.85%5.65%
Lowest rate5.35%4.7%
Deductions and credits (single)$15,300 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.

IncomeMN state taxMT state taxDifferenceMN take-homeMT take-home
$30,000$786$653$133 less in Montana$25,499$25,632
$40,000$1,321$1,123$198 less in Montana$32,999$33,197
$50,000$1,877$1,593$283 less in Montana$40,478$40,762
$60,000$2,557$2,063$493 less in Montana$47,833$48,327
$75,000$3,577$2,877$700 less in Montana$58,016$58,716
$100,000$5,277$4,289$988 less in Montana$73,903$74,891
$150,000$8,942$7,114$1,828 less in Montana$104,849$106,677
$250,000$17,423$12,764$4,659 less in Montana$165,759$170,418

Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.

Married filing jointly

IncomeMN state taxMT state taxDifferenceMN take-homeMT take-home
$75,000$2,375$2,012$364 less in Montana$62,247$62,611
$100,000$4,013$3,187$826 less in Montana$80,697$81,523
$150,000$7,413$5,753$1,660 less in Montana$115,772$117,432
$250,000$14,485$11,403$3,082 less in Montana$182,983$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, Minnesota and Montana charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Montana is the lower-tax state.

Rates side by side

Minnesota (single filers)

5.35%Up to $33,310
6.8%$33,311 to $109,430
7.85%$109,431 to $203,150
9.85%Over $203,150

Montana (single filers)

4.7%Up to $47,500
5.65%Over $47,500

Full details for each state: Minnesota income tax calculator and Montana income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.

Minnesota vs Montana FAQ

Which has lower income tax, Minnesota or Montana?+

Montana is lower at $75,000: $2,877 of state income tax versus $3,577 in Minnesota. At $150,000 it is $8,942 in Minnesota and $7,114 in Montana. For a single filer, Minnesota and Montana charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Montana is the lower-tax state.

How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Minnesota versus Montana?+

A single filer keeping $73,903 a year in Minnesota would keep $74,891 in Montana after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $988 a year, or $82 a month.

How do the Minnesota and Montana income tax systems differ?+

Minnesota uses progressive rates up to 9.85%; 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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

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.