1North Dakota
Lowest18.1%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $203
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $13,611
- Net income (annual)
- $61,389
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Montana vs North Dakota Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $2,673 less state income tax a year in North Dakota than in Montana, which is about $223 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $5,448 in favor of North Dakota.
Montana: up to 5.65%North Dakota: up to 2.5%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare Montana and North Dakota 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
North Dakota
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,134
Monthly take-home$5,116
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.
Montana vs North Dakota: how the two systems differ
| Montana | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 2 brackets | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 5.65% | 2.5% |
| Lowest rate | 4.7% | 1.95% |
| 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 | MT state tax | ND state tax | Difference | MT take-home | ND take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $653 | $0 | $653 less in North Dakota | $25,632 | $26,285 |
| $40,000 | $1,123 | $0 | $1,123 less in North Dakota | $33,197 | $34,320 |
| $50,000 | $1,593 | $0 | $1,593 less in North Dakota | $40,762 | $42,355 |
| $60,000 | $2,063 | $0 | $2,063 less in North Dakota | $48,327 | $50,390 |
| $75,000 | $2,877 | $203 | $2,673 less in North Dakota | $58,716 | $61,389 |
| $100,000 | $4,289 | $691 | $3,598 less in North Dakota | $74,891 | $78,489 |
| $150,000 | $7,114 | $1,666 | $5,448 less in North Dakota | $106,677 | $112,125 |
| $250,000 | $12,764 | $3,616 | $9,148 less in North Dakota | $170,418 | $179,566 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | MT state tax | ND state tax | Difference | MT take-home | ND take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,012 | $0 | $2,012 less in North Dakota | $62,611 | $64,623 |
| $100,000 | $3,187 | $0 | $3,187 less in North Dakota | $81,523 | $84,710 |
| $150,000 | $5,753 | $718 | $5,035 less in North Dakota | $117,432 | $122,467 |
| $250,000 | $11,403 | $2,668 | $8,735 less in North Dakota | $186,065 | $194,800 |
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, Montana and North Dakota charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, North Dakota is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Montana (single filers)
| 4.7% | Up to $47,500 |
| 5.65% | Over $47,500 |
North Dakota (single filers)
| 1.95% | $48,476 to $244,825 |
| 2.5% | Over $244,825 |
Full details for each state: Montana income tax calculator and North Dakota income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Montana vs North Dakota FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Montana or North Dakota?+
North Dakota is lower at $75,000: $203 of state income tax versus $2,877 in Montana. At $150,000 it is $7,114 in Montana and $1,666 in North Dakota. For a single filer, Montana and North Dakota charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, North Dakota is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Montana versus North Dakota?+
A single filer keeping $74,891 a year in Montana would keep $78,489 in North Dakota after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $3,598 a year, or $300 a month.
How do the Montana and North Dakota income tax systems differ?+
Montana uses progressive rates up to 5.65%; North Dakota uses progressive rates up to 2.5%. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this Montana vs North Dakota 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 Montana to North Dakota 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.