Montana vs North Dakota Taxes: Take-Home Pay Compared (2026)
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,674 more a year in North Dakota than in Montana ($223 a month).
Montana
4.7% - 5.65% state income tax
$58,715
take-home on $75,000 · $4,893/month
30th of 51 states for take-home pay
Montana paycheck calculator ›North Dakota
1.95% - 2.5% state income tax
$61,389
take-home on $75,000 · $5,116/month
10th of 51 states for take-home pay
North Dakota paycheck calculator ›Take-home pay in Montana and North Dakota by salary
| Salary | Montana | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,197 | $34,320 | $1,123 more in North Dakota |
| $50,000 | $40,762 | $42,355 | $1,593 more in North Dakota |
| $60,000 | $48,327 | $50,390 | $2,063 more in North Dakota |
| $75,000 | $58,715 | $61,389 | $2,674 more in North Dakota |
| $100,000 | $74,891 | $78,489 | $3,598 more in North Dakota |
| $125,000 | $91,001 | $95,525 | $4,524 more in North Dakota |
| $150,000 | $106,677 | $112,125 | $5,448 more in North Dakota |
| $200,000 | $138,988 | $146,286 | $7,298 more in North Dakota |
Single filer, standard deduction, no local tax. To match $75,000 in Montana you would need about $71,100 in North Dakota; to match $75,000 in North Dakota you would need about $79,150 in Montana.
How Montana and North Dakota tax wages
| 2026 | Montana | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | 2 brackets from 4.7% to 5.65% | 2 brackets from 1.95% to 2.5% |
| Top rate | 5.65% | 2.5% |
| Standard deduction | Federal ($16,100 single) | Federal ($16,100 single) |
| State tax on $75k | $2,877 (3.8%) | $203 (0.3%) |
| Local wage taxes | No | No |
| Reciprocity | None | Minnesota, Montana |
| 2026 change | Montana cut its top rate from 5.9% to 5.65% for 2026 and widened the 4.7% bracket. | No rate change |
Montana vs North Dakota: FAQ
Does Montana or North Dakota have lower income taxes in 2026?
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,674 more a year in North Dakota than in Montana ($223 a month). Montana has 2 brackets from 4.7% to 5.65% for 2026. For single filers the top 5.65% rate starts at $47,500 of taxable income. North Dakota has 2 brackets from 1.95% to 2.5% for 2026. For single filers the top 2.5% rate starts at $244,825 of taxable income.
What salary in North Dakota equals $75,000 in Montana?
To take home the same $58,715 that $75,000 leaves in Montana, you would need about $71,100 in North Dakota, based on income, payroll, and state taxes only. Housing and other living costs are not included.
How much more do high earners keep in North Dakota than in Montana?
At $150,000 the gap is $5,448 a year: $106,677 in Montana versus $112,125 in North Dakota. Progressive brackets make the difference grow faster as income rises.
Do Montana and North Dakota have a reciprocity agreement?
Yes. If you live in one of these states and work in the other, you can usually file a nonresident exemption form with your employer so only your home state withholds income tax.