Minnesota has the highest state income tax in the Midwest (up to 9.85%), while Texas has zero state income tax. A $100,000 earner saves $7,013 per year moving from Minnesota to Texas. However, Texas property tax (1.6-2.2%) is significantly higher than Minnesota's (1.12%), which can offset savings for expensive homes. Minnesota taxes Social Security and all retirement income for high earners, while Texas taxes no retirement income. Major corporations (Target, 3M) are considering relocating from Minnesota to Texas for the tax advantage.

By CountryTaxCalc Research Team

Last Updated: March 2026

The Big Picture

❄️ Minnesota

9.85%

Highest in Midwest

4 progressive brackets from 5.35% - 9.85%

⭐ Texas

0%

No Income Tax

Constitutional prohibition on income tax

Typical Annual Savings

At $100,000 income:

$7,013

That is $584/month back in your pocket!

Tax Savings by Income Level

IncomeMN TaxTX TaxSavings10-Year
$50,000 $2,412$0$2,412$24,120
$75,000 $4,619$0$4,619$46,190
$100,000 $7,013$0$7,013$70,130
$150,000 $12,205$0$12,205$122,050
$250,000 $22,055$0$22,055$220,550
$500,000 $46,680$0$46,680$466,800

Minnesota Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Excellent public schools (ranked #6 nationally)
  • Strong healthcare (Mayo Clinic, top hospitals)
  • High quality of life (low crime, good infrastructure)
  • Four distinct seasons (beautiful fall, winter sports)
  • Progressive policies and social services

❌ Cons

  • Highest income tax in Midwest (9.85%)
  • Harsh winters (-20°F to -30°F common)
  • Taxes Social Security for high earners
  • High cost of living in Twin Cities metro
  • Corporate headquarters leaving (Target, 3M considering relocation)

Texas Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • 0% state income tax (constitutional)
  • No tax on retirement income (pensions, Social Security, IRAs)
  • Booming economy (Austin, Dallas, Houston tech hubs)
  • Much cheaper housing than Minnesota
  • Business-friendly (headquarters relocations from MN)

❌ Cons

  • High property taxes (1.6-2.2% vs MN's 1.12%)
  • Extreme heat in summer (100°F+ common)
  • Lower-ranked public schools than Minnesota
  • Less comprehensive healthcare system
  • Higher sales tax (6.25-8.25% vs MN's 6.875%)
💡

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much will I save moving from Minnesota to Texas?

At $75,000 income, you save $4,619 per year. At $100,000, you save $7,013 per year. At $150,000, you save $12,205 per year. Minnesota has rates up to 9.85% (highest in Midwest), while Texas has 0% state income tax. Over 10 years at $100K income, that's $70,130 in savings.

Q: What is the income tax rate in Minnesota vs Texas?

Minnesota has 4 progressive brackets: 5.35%, 6.80%, 7.85%, and 9.85% (top rate starts at $183,340 for singles, $273,470 for married couples). Texas has no state income tax - it is constitutionally prohibited. Minnesota's 9.85% top rate is the highest in the Midwest region.

Q: Does property tax in Texas offset the income tax savings?

For most earners, no. Texas property tax is 1.6-2.2% vs Minnesota's 1.12%. On a $300,000 home: MN = $3,360/year, TX = $4,800-$6,600/year. Extra TX property tax = $1,440-$3,240. But income tax savings at $100K = $7,013. Texas still saves $3,773-$5,573/year. For very expensive homes ($750K+), the gap narrows.

Q: How does Texas tax retirement income compared to Minnesota?

Texas does not tax retirement income at all (0% on Social Security, pensions, 401(k), IRA distributions). Minnesota taxes Social Security if income exceeds $82,190 (married) or $65,080 (single), and taxes all pension/IRA income at full state rates (5.35%-9.85%). Retirees can save $5,000-$15,000 per year in Texas.

Q: Are Minnesota companies really moving to Texas?

Yes. Major Minnesota corporations are relocating or considering Texas: Target is exploring headquarters options, 3M announced plans to move operations, and numerous smaller businesses have relocated. The 9.85% income tax differential and 0% corporate franchise tax in Texas (vs Minnesota's corporate tax) drive these decisions. This corporate exodus trend accelerated in 2024-2026.

Q: At what income level does it make sense to move from Minnesota to Texas?

For income alone, Texas wins at every level. Even at $50K income, you save $2,412/year, covering the property tax difference on a modest home. At $100K+, savings ($7,000-$46,000/year) overwhelm any property tax offset. For retirees with $80K+ income, Texas saves $5,000-$15,000 annually. Renters benefit immediately at any income.

Q: Which state has better schools: Minnesota or Texas?

Minnesota ranks significantly higher (#6 nationally) vs Texas (#32-38 depending on ranking system). Minnesota has better teacher pay, smaller class sizes, and stronger test scores. However, specific Texas districts (Austin, Plano, The Woodlands) rival Minnesota quality. Families prioritizing education often stay in Minnesota despite tax costs, or target elite Texas districts.

Q: How do Minnesota and Texas compare on total tax burden?

Minnesota: 9.85% income tax, 1.12% property tax, 6.875% sales tax (state + local avg). Texas: 0% income tax, 1.6-2.2% property tax, 6.25-8.25% sales tax. For W-2 earners, Texas wins decisively. For homeowners with expensive properties, calculate both (income tax savings usually still exceed property tax increase). Texas ranks #32 nationally in total tax burden, Minnesota ranks #7.

Q: What about healthcare quality in Minnesota vs Texas?

Minnesota has significantly stronger healthcare: Mayo Clinic (Rochester), top-ranked hospitals, comprehensive coverage options. Texas has good healthcare in major cities (MD Anderson in Houston, UT Southwestern in Dallas) but uneven access outside metros. Minnesota ranks #3-5 nationally for healthcare, Texas ranks #30-35. This quality gap matters for families and retirees.

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