Montana vs North Dakota Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $2,157/yr more in North Dakota
$180/mo · $83/paycheck more
$57,806/yr in Montana vs $59,963/yr in North Dakota.
Montana
Take-home per paycheck
$2,223.32
$57,806/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
North Dakota
Take-home per paycheck
$2,306.29
$59,963/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Montana is 6% higher than in North Dakota.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,806 in Montana has the purchasing power of $61,423 in North Dakota terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Montana comes out ahead by $1,460/yr.
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
Montana: Montana uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 4.70% to 5.65%.
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 | Montana take-home | North Dakota take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,981 | $41,351 | -$1,370 |
| $75,000 | $57,806 | $59,963 | -$2,157 |
| $100,000 | $73,981 | $76,926 | -$2,945 |
| $150,000 | $105,767 | $110,287 | -$4,520 |
| $200,000 | $138,078 | $144,173 | -$6,095 |
| $300,000 | $198,678 | $207,627 | -$8,949 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Montana. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Montana or North Dakota?
At a $100,000 salary, North Dakota results in $2,945 more annual take-home pay. Montana uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 4.70% to 5.65%. 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 $1,370/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $4,520/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $8,949/yr.
Do Montana 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 Montana or North Dakota?
North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Montana is 6% higher than in North Dakota. Montana's Regional Price Parity is 97.2 and North Dakota's is 91.6 (US average = 100).
Is North Dakota cheaper than Montana?
Yes. North Dakota has a lower cost of living than Montana (index 91.6 vs 97.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Montana more expensive than North Dakota?
Yes. Montana has a higher cost of living (index 97.2) 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 $73,981 in Montana has the purchasing power of $78,504 in North Dakota terms. Conversely, $76,926 in North Dakota equals $72,494 in Montana terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Montana comes out ahead.
Montana vs North Dakota cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 6% different between Montana and North Dakota. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are 8% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Montana gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Related tools
- Montana vs North Dakota Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Montana?
- How much house can you afford in North Dakota?
Montana Paycheck Estimator · North Dakota Paycheck Estimator · All states