The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Jamestown

This analysis treats a $100,000 salary as a raw input, not a lifestyle promise. We strip away marketing hype to determine what this number actually buys you in Jamestown, North Dakota.

1. The Verification Test

Before budgeting, we must calculate the Net Pay. A salary is not the money that hits your bank account.

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,000
• Federal Income Tax (Est.): -$14,368 (Based on standard deduction and 22% marginal bracket)
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650 (Flat 7.65%)
• North Dakota State Income Tax: -$2,450 (Est. based on ND's progressive brackets, averaging ~2.45% for this income)

Annual Net Pay: $75,532
Monthly Take-Home: $6,294

Note: This assumes you take the standard deduction and contribute minimally to a 401(k).

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Applying the standard budget model to your $6,294 monthly take-home pay.

Needs (50%): $3,147

• Rent (1BR): $0 - $850 (Note: You listed rent as $None. If you own or have subsidized housing, this is a massive advantage. If renting, expect $650-$850 for a standard unit).
• Utilities (Heat/Electric): $180 (ND winters are expensive).
• Groceries: $450 (Single person).
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $250 (Assumes paid-off vehicle; car payments are extra).

Wants (30%): $1,888

• Dining, Entertainment, Hobbies.
• Reality Check: In Jamestown, you will struggle to spend $1,888 locally. This money likely accumulates or is spent on travel out of town (Fargo/Minneapolis).

Savings (20%): $1,259

• Emergency fund, investments, retirement.
• Total Savings Potential: $15,108/year.

3. Jamestown Tax Context

North Dakota is a "middle-of-the-road" tax state. It is not a tax haven, but it is significantly cheaper than the coasts.

• Vs. Texas/Florida (0% State Income Tax):
  • You would save approximately $2,450 annually by moving to a zero-tax state.
  • However: Property taxes in Texas often offset this savings. ND property taxes are moderate.
• Vs. California/NY:
  • You would pay an additional $5,000 - $7,000 annually in state income tax. ND is significantly more favorable than high-tax coastal states.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It places you well above the local median household income. You will live comfortably. However, your purchasing power is capped by the local economy; having money doesn't buy luxury goods that aren't available locally.

"Local income tax?"
No. Jamestown does not levy a local city income tax. You only pay Federal and North Dakota state taxes.

"Why is the rent '$None'?"
If your rent is truly $0 (e.g., living with family or employer-provided housing), your monthly cash flow increases to $6,294. This effectively boosts your "Net" income by the market value of rent (approx $800/mo), allowing for savings rates closer to 30%.