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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

Minnesota vs Wisconsin Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $982 less state income tax a year in Wisconsin than in Minnesota, which is about $82 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $2,372 in favor of Wisconsin.

Minnesota: up to 9.85%Wisconsin: up to 7.65%Updated October 10, 2026

Compare Minnesota and Wisconsin 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.

1Wisconsin

Lowest

21.3%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,594
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$16,002
Net income (annual)
$58,998

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

Wisconsin

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,333
Monthly take-home$4,917

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 Wisconsin: how the two systems differ

MinnesotaWisconsin
Wage income taxProgressive, 4 bracketsProgressive, 4 brackets
Top rate9.85%7.65%
Lowest rate5.35%3.5%
Deductions and credits (single)$15,300 standard deduction$13,960 standard deduction, $700 personal exemption

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 taxWI state taxDifferenceMN take-homeWI take-home
$30,000$786$539$247 less in Wisconsin$25,499$25,746
$40,000$1,321$979$342 less in Wisconsin$32,999$33,341
$50,000$1,877$1,419$458 less in Wisconsin$40,478$40,936
$60,000$2,557$1,859$698 less in Wisconsin$47,833$48,531
$75,000$3,577$2,594$982 less in Wisconsin$58,016$58,998
$100,000$5,277$3,919$1,357 less in Wisconsin$73,903$75,261
$150,000$8,942$6,569$2,372 less in Wisconsin$104,849$107,222
$250,000$17,423$11,869$5,553 less in Wisconsin$165,759$171,313

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

Married filing jointly

IncomeMN state taxWI state taxDifferenceMN take-homeWI take-home
$75,000$2,375$1,920$455 less in Wisconsin$62,247$62,702
$100,000$4,013$3,052$961 less in Wisconsin$80,697$81,658
$150,000$7,413$5,702$1,711 less in Wisconsin$115,772$117,483
$250,000$14,485$11,002$3,484 less in Wisconsin$182,983$186,466

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 Wisconsin charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Minnesota is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $17,500, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

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

Wisconsin (single filers)

3.5%Up to $15,110
4.4%$15,111 to $51,950
5.3%$51,951 to $332,720
7.65%Over $332,720

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

Minnesota vs Wisconsin FAQ

Which has lower income tax, Minnesota or Wisconsin?+

Wisconsin is lower at $75,000: $2,594 of state income tax versus $3,577 in Minnesota. At $150,000 it is $8,942 in Minnesota and $6,569 in Wisconsin. For a single filer, Minnesota and Wisconsin charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Minnesota is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $17,500, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

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

A single filer keeping $73,903 a year in Minnesota would keep $75,261 in Wisconsin after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $1,357 a year, or $113 a month.

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

Minnesota uses progressive rates up to 9.85%; Wisconsin uses progressive rates up to 7.65%. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.

Are local taxes included in this Minnesota vs Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.