Minnesota vs West Virginia 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 $1,689/yr more in West Virginia

$141/mo · $65/paycheck more

Minnesota
West Virginia

$56,952/yr in Minnesota vs $58,641/yr in West Virginia.

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%

West Virginia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,255.42

$58,641/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,9524%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,64178%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.1%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Minnesota is 6% higher than in West Virginia.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,952 in Minnesota has the purchasing power of $60,576 in West Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Minnesota comes out ahead by $1,935/yr.

Housing
Median home$330,000vs$170,000
Minnesota
94% more
West Virginia
Avg 2BR rent$1,128/movs$997/mo
Minnesota
13% more
West Virginia
Groceries
Index
Minnesota
4% more
West Virginia
Transportation
Regular gas$3.26/galvs$3.41/gal
Minnesota
West Virginia
5% more
Utilities
Electric bill$109/movs$98/mo
Minnesota
12% more
West Virginia
Healthcare
Index
Minnesota
8% more
West Virginia
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$22,569/yrvs$9,692/yr
Minnesota
133% more
West Virginia

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%.

West Virginia: West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

Salary Minnesota take-home West Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,415 $40,644 -$1,229
$75,000 $56,952 $58,641 -$1,689
$100,000 $72,840 $74,949 -$2,109
$150,000 $103,568 $107,000 -$3,431
$200,000 $134,446 $139,576 -$5,129
$300,000 $190,846 $200,705 -$9,859

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Minnesota or West Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, West Virginia results in $2,109 more annual take-home pay. Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,229/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $3,431/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $9,859/yr.

Do Minnesota and West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Minnesota is 13% higher than in West Virginia. Minnesota's Regional Price Parity is 98.2 and West Virginia's is 86.7 (US average = 100).

Is West Virginia cheaper than Minnesota?

Yes. West Virginia has a lower cost of living than Minnesota (index 86.7 vs 98.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Minnesota more expensive than West Virginia?

Yes. Minnesota has a higher cost of living (index 98.2) compared to West Virginia (index 86.7). 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 $82,501 in West Virginia terms. Conversely, $74,949 in West Virginia equals $66,171 in Minnesota terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Minnesota comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 12% different between Minnesota and West Virginia. Living costs are about 2% below the national average Living costs are 13% below the national average — one of the lowest in the US After taxes and cost of living, Minnesota gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Minnesota and West Virginia?

Minnesota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. West Virginia 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 · West Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states