Massachusetts vs North Dakota Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $2,121/yr more in North Dakota

$177/mo · $82/paycheck more

Massachusetts
North Dakota

$57,843/yr in Massachusetts vs $59,963/yr in North Dakota.

Massachusetts

Take-home per paycheck

$2,224.71

$57,843/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7505%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,84377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

North Dakota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,306.29

$59,963/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$1,6292%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,96380%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.0%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 2.5%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Massachusetts is 63% higher than in North Dakota.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,843 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $94,288 in North Dakota terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $34,325/yr.

Housing
Median home$620,000vs$255,000
Massachusetts
143% more
North Dakota
Avg 2BR rent$3,094/movs$1,060/mo
Massachusetts
192% more
North Dakota
Groceries
Index
Massachusetts
6% more
North Dakota
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.08/gal
Massachusetts
11% more
North Dakota
Utilities
Electric bill$212/movs$70/mo
Massachusetts
202% more
North Dakota
Healthcare
Index
Massachusetts
23% more
North Dakota
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$26,709/yrvs$12,373/yr
Massachusetts
116% more
North Dakota

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

North Dakota: North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 1.95% to 2.90%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Massachusetts take-home North Dakota take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,855 $41,351 -$1,496
$75,000 $57,843 $59,963 -$2,121
$100,000 $74,180 $76,926 -$2,746
$150,000 $106,291 $110,287 -$3,996
$200,000 $138,927 $144,173 -$5,246
$300,000 $200,177 $207,627 -$7,450

Positive values mean higher take-home in Massachusetts. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Massachusetts or North Dakota?

At a $100,000 salary, North Dakota results in $2,746 more annual take-home pay. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%. North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 1.95% to 2.90%.

How much more do you take home in North Dakota vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,496/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $3,996/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $7,450/yr.

Do Massachusetts and North Dakota have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or North Dakota?

North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Massachusetts is 21% higher than in North Dakota. Massachusetts's Regional Price Parity is 110.8 and North Dakota's is 91.6 (US average = 100).

Is North Dakota cheaper than Massachusetts?

Yes. North Dakota has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 91.6 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Massachusetts more expensive than North Dakota?

Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to North Dakota (index 91.6). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $74,180 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $89,729 in North Dakota terms. Conversely, $76,926 in North Dakota equals $63,596 in Massachusetts terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.

Massachusetts vs North Dakota cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 19% different between Massachusetts and North Dakota. Living costs are 11% above the national average Living costs are 8% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Massachusetts and North Dakota?

Massachusetts requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. North Dakota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · North Dakota Paycheck Estimator · All states