Minnesota vs New Jersey Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

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Annual salary

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Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $1,989/yr more in New Jersey

$166/mo · $77/paycheck more

Minnesota
New Jersey

$56,952/yr in Minnesota vs $58,941/yr in New Jersey.

Minnesota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,190.46

$56,952/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,6406%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$56,95276%
Tax rates
Effective: 24.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 6.8%

New Jersey

Take-home per paycheck

$2,266.97

$58,941/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,6514%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,94179%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.5%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Minnesota is 19% lower than in New Jersey.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,952 in Minnesota has the purchasing power of $46,233 in New Jersey terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, New Jersey comes out ahead by $12,708/yr.

Housing
Median home$330,000vs$500,000
Minnesota
New Jersey
52% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,128/movs$1,987/mo
Minnesota
New Jersey
76% more
Groceries
Index
Minnesota
New Jersey
3% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.26/galvs$3.44/gal
Minnesota
New Jersey
6% more
Utilities
Electric bill$109/movs$144/mo
Minnesota
New Jersey
32% more
Healthcare
Index
Minnesota
New Jersey
8% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$22,569/yrvs$18,155/yr
Minnesota
24% more
New Jersey

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

Minnesota: Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%.

New Jersey: New Jersey uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 1.40% to 10.75%.

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

Salary Minnesota take-home New Jersey take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,415 $41,085 -$1,670
$75,000 $56,952 $58,941 -$1,989
$100,000 $72,840 $74,936 -$2,097
$150,000 $103,568 $106,362 -$2,794
$200,000 $134,446 $138,313 -$3,867
$300,000 $190,846 $198,193 -$7,347

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Minnesota or New Jersey?

At a $100,000 salary, New Jersey results in $2,097 more annual take-home pay. Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%. New Jersey uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 1.40% to 10.75%.

How much more do you take home in New Jersey vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,670/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,794/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $7,347/yr.

Do Minnesota and New Jersey 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 Minnesota or New Jersey?

Minnesota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Minnesota is 13% lower than in New Jersey. Minnesota's Regional Price Parity is 98.2 and New Jersey's is 113.1 (US average = 100).

Is Minnesota cheaper than New Jersey?

Yes. Minnesota has a lower cost of living than New Jersey (index 98.2 vs 113.1). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is New Jersey more expensive than Minnesota?

Yes. New Jersey has a higher cost of living (index 113.1) compared to Minnesota (index 98.2). 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 $72,840 in Minnesota has the purchasing power of $63,243 in New Jersey terms. Conversely, $74,936 in New Jersey equals $86,306 in Minnesota terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, New Jersey comes out ahead.

Minnesota vs New Jersey cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 15% different between Minnesota and New Jersey. Living costs are about 2% below the national average Living costs are 13% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, New Jersey gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Minnesota and New Jersey?

Minnesota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Jersey 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

Minnesota Paycheck Estimator · New Jersey Paycheck Estimator · All states