North Dakota vs Utah Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $1,783/yr more in North Dakota

$149/mo · $69/paycheck more

North Dakota
Utah

$59,963/yr in North Dakota vs $58,180/yr in Utah.

North Dakota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,306.29

$59,963/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$1,6292%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,96380%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.0%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 2.5%

Utah

Take-home per paycheck

$2,237.69

$58,180/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,4135%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,18078%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.5%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in North Dakota is 8% lower than in Utah.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $59,963 in North Dakota has the purchasing power of $54,901 in Utah terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Utah comes out ahead by $3,279/yr.

Housing
Median home$255,000vs$480,000
North Dakota
Utah
88% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,060/movs$1,523/mo
North Dakota
Utah
44% more
Groceries
Index
North Dakota
Utah
Transportation
Regular gas$3.08/galvs$3.40/gal
North Dakota
Utah
10% more
Utilities
Electric bill$70/movs$88/mo
North Dakota
Utah
26% more
Healthcare
Index
North Dakota
20% more
Utah
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$12,373/yrvs$13,094/yr
North Dakota
Utah
6% 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

North Dakota: North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 1.95% to 2.90%.

Utah: Utah has a flat state income tax of 4.55%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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

Salary North Dakota take-home Utah take-home Difference
$50,000 $41,351 $40,080 + $1,271
$75,000 $59,963 $58,180 + $1,783
$100,000 $76,926 $74,630 + $2,296
$150,000 $110,287 $106,966 + $3,321
$200,000 $144,173 $139,827 + $4,346
$300,000 $207,627 $201,527 + $6,100

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, North Dakota or Utah?

At a $100,000 salary, North Dakota results in $2,296 more annual take-home pay. North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 1.95% to 2.90%. Utah has a flat state income tax of 4.55%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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 $1,271/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $3,321/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $6,100/yr.

Do North Dakota and Utah 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 North Dakota or Utah?

North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in North Dakota is 8% lower than in Utah. North Dakota's Regional Price Parity is 91.6 and Utah's is 99.3 (US average = 100).

Is North Dakota cheaper than Utah?

Yes. North Dakota has a lower cost of living than Utah (index 91.6 vs 99.3). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Utah more expensive than North Dakota?

Yes. Utah has a higher cost of living (index 99.3) 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 $76,926 in North Dakota has the purchasing power of $70,961 in Utah terms. Conversely, $74,630 in Utah equals $80,903 in North Dakota terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Utah comes out ahead.

North Dakota vs Utah cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 8% different between North Dakota and Utah. Living costs are 8% below the national average Living costs are about at the national average After taxes and cost of living, Utah gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both North Dakota and Utah?

North Dakota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Utah 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

North Dakota Paycheck Estimator · Utah Paycheck Estimator · All states