Minnesota vs Washington Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $4,640/yr more in Washington

$387/mo · $178/paycheck more

Minnesota
Washington

$56,952/yr in Minnesota vs $61,593/yr in Washington.

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%

Washington

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Minnesota is 17% lower than in Washington.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,952 in Minnesota has the purchasing power of $47,216 in Washington terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Washington comes out ahead by $14,377/yr.

Housing
Median home$330,000vs$580,000
Minnesota
Washington
76% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,128/movs$1,656/mo
Minnesota
Washington
47% more
Groceries
Index
Minnesota
Washington
7% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.26/galvs$4.69/gal
Minnesota
Washington
44% more
Utilities
Electric bill$109/movs$90/mo
Minnesota
22% more
Washington
Healthcare
Index
Minnesota
Washington
8% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$22,569/yrvs$20,677/yr
Minnesota
9% more
Washington

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%.

Washington: Washington has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

Salary Minnesota take-home Washington take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,415 $42,355 -$2,940
$75,000 $56,952 $61,593 -$4,640
$100,000 $72,840 $79,180 -$6,340
$150,000 $103,568 $113,791 -$10,223
$200,000 $134,446 $148,927 -$14,481
$300,000 $190,846 $215,177 -$24,331

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Minnesota or Washington?

At a $100,000 salary, Washington results in $6,340 more annual take-home pay. Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%. Washington has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $2,940/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $10,223/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $24,331/yr.

Do Minnesota and Washington 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 Washington?

Minnesota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Minnesota is 8% lower than in Washington. Minnesota's Regional Price Parity is 98.2 and Washington's is 107.1 (US average = 100).

Is Minnesota cheaper than Washington?

Yes. Minnesota has a lower cost of living than Washington (index 98.2 vs 107.1). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Washington more expensive than Minnesota?

Yes. Washington has a higher cost of living (index 107.1) 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 $66,787 in Washington terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Washington equals $86,356 in Minnesota terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Washington comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 9% different between Minnesota and Washington. Living costs are about 2% below the national average Living costs are 7% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Washington gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Minnesota Paycheck Estimator · Washington Paycheck Estimator · All states