Side-by-side tax comparison between Minnesota (9.85% top rate) and New Jersey (10.75% top rate).
| Salary | Minnesota | New Jersey | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $38,604 | $38,266 | −$338 | Minnesota |
| $75K | $55,762 | $55,256 | −$506 | Minnesota |
| $100K | $71,503 | $70,828 | −$675 | Minnesota |
| $150K | $102,365 | $101,352 | −$1,013 | Minnesota |
| $200K | $134,328 | $132,978 | −$1,350 | Minnesota |
Minnesota offers higher take-home pay at every salary level. Minnesota's 9.85% top rate is more favorable than New Jersey's 10.75%. At $100K, the difference is $675/year — that’s $56/month.
However, cost of living matters. Minnesota has a cost index of 99 while New Jersey is at 115. After adjusting for cost of living, the gap narrows significantly.