The Real Salary Guide to Bloomington, MN: Post-Tax Reality on a $100k Income

You landed the $100,000 job offer in Bloomington, Minnesota. You are celebrating the six-figure mark, but that number is a mirage. It is not what lands in your bank account. It is not what pays for your apartment near the Mall of America.

This guide strips away the "Sticker Price" to reveal your purchasing power. We analyze the tax drag, the 50/30/20 budget reality, and how Bloomington stacks up against major metros.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

The "Sticker Price" of $100,000 is a vanity metric. To understand your actual wealth, we must apply the "Government Slashing" test. This is the deduction of mandatory federal, state, and FICA levies.

Here is the brutal math of a $100,000 salary in Bloomington:

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (MN): -$4,500
• Local Tax: $0
• Total Tax Drag: $25,764 (25.7% effective rate)
• Net Take Home Pay: $74,236

The Analysis:
Minnesota does not tax you lightly. While you escape local city taxes, the state income tax takes a significant bite. You are losing over a quarter of your gross income before you see a dime.

The Bottom Line:
Your $100,000 salary is actually a $74,236 reality. You lose the equivalent of a entry-level salary entirely to taxes.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net of $6,186, the 50/30/20 rule is your roadmap to financial stability. Here is how that purchasing power translates in the Bloomington market.

Needs ($3,093/mo)

This bucket covers rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

• Rent: Bloomington is a high-demand rental market due to the airport and corporate HQs (Best Buy, Target). A modern one-bedroom apartment averages $1,600 - $1,800.
• Verdict: You can afford a decent apartment, but it will eat nearly 30% of your "Needs" bucket. You will have roughly $1,200 left for utilities, car insurance, and food. It is tight but manageable if you drive a reliable, paid-off car.

Wants ($1,186/mo)

This is your dining, entertainment, and subscription budget.

• Verdict: $1,186 is healthy for the Twin Cities. You can afford dinners in the North Loop, Vikings tickets, and weekend trips to Stillwater. However, one major car repair could wipe this category out for two months.

Savings ($1,237/mo)

• Verdict: This is your wealth creation engine. $1,237/month is $14,844 annually. This is enough to max out a Roth IRA ($7,000) and contribute heavily to a 401(k). If you invest this strictly, you are building a solid future.

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Bloomington Taxes vs The Competition

Is Minnesota’s tax burden worth it? Let’s compare a $100k salary in Bloomington against two distinct competitors.

Bloomington vs. Austin, Texas

• Bloomington: You pay $4,500 in state income tax. Net Pay: $74,236.
• Austin: No state income tax. Net Pay: $78,736.
• The Gap: Austin puts an extra $4,100 in your pocket annually. However, Austin property taxes are notoriously high. If you eventually buy a home, the tax savings in Minnesota can flip dramatically.

Bloomington vs. New York City

• Bloomington: Net Pay: $74,236.
• NYC: NYC adds a brutal local city tax on top of state and federal. Expect to lose an additional $5,000–$7,000.
• The Gap: Bloomington is a tax haven compared to NYC. You keep significantly more of your paycheck here than you would in Manhattan.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Bloomington?
A: There is no local income tax in Bloomington. However, you are subject to Minnesota state income tax. For a $100,000 salary, the effective state tax rate is approximately 4.5% (resulting in $4,500 paid).

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Bloomington?
A: Yes, it is well above the median household income. However, after taxes ($25,764 deducted), your take-home is $74,236. This provides a comfortable lifestyle for a single person or a couple, but requires strict budgeting to account for high rental costs.

Q: Does Bloomington have a local city tax?
A: No. Unlike cities in Pennsylvania or Ohio, Bloomington, MN does not levy a specific local wage tax. Your tax burden is limited to Federal, FICA, and State taxes.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Calculations are based on 2026 IRS tax brackets, Social Security/Medicare rates, and Minnesota state tax estimates. Data references include the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and State Comptroller reports.