Side-by-side tax comparison between Minnesota (9.85% top rate) and South Dakota (no income tax).
| Salary | Minnesota | South Dakota | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $38,604 | $42,298 | +$3,694 | South Dakota |
| $75K | $55,762 | $61,303 | +$5,541 | South Dakota |
| $100K | $71,503 | $78,890 | +$7,388 | South Dakota |
| $150K | $102,365 | $113,446 | +$11,081 | South Dakota |
| $200K | $134,328 | $149,103 | +$14,775 | South Dakota |
South Dakota offers higher take-home pay at every salary level. With no state income tax, South Dakota gives you a significant advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% top rate. At $100K, the difference is $7,388/year — that’s $616/month.
However, cost of living matters. Minnesota has a cost index of 99 while South Dakota is at 92. With similar costs of living, the tax difference is the main factor.