$100k in Duluth
Your salary isn't what you earn. It's what you keep.
See the exact impact of MN taxes and Duluth living costs on your paycheck.
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2026 IRS Brackets • FICA Limits • State & Local Rules
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📊 Duluth Salary Guide
The Real Salary Guide to Duluth, MN: What $100,000 Actually Buys You
You don't move to Duluth for the skyline; you move for the Lake Superior air and the financial breathing room. But does a six-figure salary actually translate to wealth in the North Star State? We cut through the "sticker price" to reveal your true purchasing power.
The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)
The gap between your gross salary and your bank account balance is where financial reality hits.
The Math:
- Sticker Price: $100,000
- Federal & FICA Taxes: -$21,264
- Minnesota State Tax: -$4,500
- Total Deductions: -$25,764
- Net Take Home: $74,236
The Verdict:
Minnesota is not a tax haven. While you avoid local city taxes, the state income tax takes a significant bite—$4,500 specifically. You are losing 25.7% of your gross income to taxes before you pay a single bill.
This leaves you with $74,236 in spendable cash. If you can't live on this amount, the problem isn't your income; it's your overhead.
Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)
With a monthly net income of $6,186, the standard 50/30/20 budget allocates your capital efficiently.
Needs: $3,093/mo
Target: Rent, Utilities, Groceries, Transport.
Can you survive in Duluth on this? Absolutely. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Duluth hovers around $900–$1,100. Even factoring in high winter heating bills and utilities, you will likely spend only $1,800 to $2,000 on "Needs."
Result: You have a surplus of over $1,000 in this category. You aren't just surviving; you are comfortable.
Wants: $1,856/mo
Target: Dining, Entertainment, Hobbies.
This is your "Lake Life" fund. Between the craft beer scene, dining out, and gear for hiking or skiing, $1,856 is substantial liquidity for a mid-sized city. You can afford high-end experiences without checking your bank balance.
Savings: $1,237/mo
Target: Investments, 401k, Emergency Fund.
This is the engine of wealth. Saving $1,237 monthly puts you on track to max out a Roth IRA ($7,000/year) and build a robust portfolio. In Duluth, this amount goes further because your cost of living isn't draining your savings potential.
Duluth Taxes vs. The Competition
How does Duluth stack up against major hubs? We compared the total tax burden on a $100k salary.
Duluth, MN:
- Total Tax: ~$25,764
- Net Pay: $74,236
- Verdict: High state tax, but no local tax offsets it slightly.
Austin, TX:
- Total Tax: ~$22,764 (No State Income Tax)
- Net Pay: $77,236
- Verdict: You save $3,000/year in Texas, but you likely pay more in property taxes and housing costs.
New York City, NY:
- Total Tax: ~$33,000+
- Net Pay: ~$67,000
- Verdict: Duluth keeps you $7,000 richer annually than NYC for the same work.
Conclusion: Duluth is a tax-heavy environment compared to the Sun Belt, but it is a tax sanctuary compared to the Coasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the income tax rate in Duluth?
A: Duluth has a 0% local city income tax. However, you are subject to Minnesota state income tax, which is progressive. On a $100,000 salary, your effective state tax rate is approximately 4.5%.
Q: Is $100k a good salary in Duluth?
A: It is an excellent salary. With a net take-home of $74,236, you significantly outpace the local median household income. You can afford a high-quality apartment, substantial savings, and discretionary spending with ease.
Q: Does Duluth have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on current data, Duluth does not levy a local income tax on residents, unlike cities in Pennsylvania or Ohio.
Methodology: Calculations based on IRS 2026 tax brackets (Single Filer, Standard Deduction), 2024 MN State Tax Comptroller rates, and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cost-of-living indices for the Duluth metropolitan area.