Missouri vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $98/yr more in Missouri

$8/mo · $4/paycheck more

Missouri
Wisconsin

$58,102/yr in Missouri vs $58,004/yr in Wisconsin.

Missouri

Take-home per paycheck

$2,234.71

$58,102/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,4905%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,10277%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.5%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.8%

Wisconsin

Take-home per paycheck

$2,230.93

$58,004/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,5885%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,00477%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.7%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.3%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Missouri is 10% lower than in Wisconsin.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,102 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $52,440 in Wisconsin terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Wisconsin comes out ahead by $5,564/yr.

Housing
Median home$235,000vs$280,000
Missouri
Wisconsin
19% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,085/movs$1,386/mo
Missouri
Wisconsin
28% more
Groceries
Index
Missouri
Wisconsin
4% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.03/galvs$3.18/gal
Missouri
Wisconsin
5% more
Utilities
Electric bill$98/movs$113/mo
Missouri
Wisconsin
15% more
Healthcare
Index
Missouri
1% more
Wisconsin
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,173/yrvs$16,956/yr
Missouri
Wisconsin
29% more

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

Missouri: Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%.

Wisconsin: Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 3.50% to 7.65%.

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

Salary Missouri take-home Wisconsin take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,065 $40,092 -$27
$75,000 $58,102 $58,004 + $98
$100,000 $74,490 $74,267 + $223
$150,000 $106,701 $106,228 + $473
$200,000 $139,437 $138,714 + $723
$300,000 $200,887 $199,663 + $1,223

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Missouri or Wisconsin?

At a $100,000 salary, Missouri results in $223 more annual take-home pay. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 3.50% to 7.65%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $27/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $473/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $1,223/yr.

Do Missouri and Wisconsin 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 Missouri or Wisconsin?

Missouri is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Missouri is 5% lower than in Wisconsin. Missouri's Regional Price Parity is 89.8 and Wisconsin's is 94.9 (US average = 100).

Is Missouri cheaper than Wisconsin?

Yes. Missouri has a lower cost of living than Wisconsin (index 89.8 vs 94.9). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Wisconsin more expensive than Missouri?

Yes. Wisconsin has a higher cost of living (index 94.9) compared to Missouri (index 89.8). 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 $74,490 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $70,487 in Wisconsin terms. Conversely, $74,267 in Wisconsin equals $78,484 in Missouri terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Wisconsin comes out ahead.

Missouri vs Wisconsin cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 5% different between Missouri and Wisconsin. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are 5% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Wisconsin gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Missouri and Wisconsin?

Missouri requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Wisconsin 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

Missouri Paycheck Estimator · Wisconsin Paycheck Estimator · All states