The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Wahpeton, ND

This guide assumes $100,000 is your gross annual salary. It is not a marketing brochure; it is a breakdown of what you actually keep and what that money can buy in Wahpeton. We will focus on Purchasing Power—the real value of your income after taxes and local costs—versus the Nominal Salary of $100,000.

1. The Verification Test

First, let's strip the $100,000 down to what hits your bank account. We estimate taxes based on 2023/2024 rates for a single filer taking the standard deduction.

• Gross Income: $100,000
• Federal Tax: ~$13,750 (Effective rate ~15% after deductions)
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): $7,650
• North Dakota State Tax: ~$2,100 (ND has a progressive rate; effective rate ~2.5% - 3% on this income)
• Net Pay (Estimated): $76,500 (approx. $6,375 monthly)

Purchasing Power Reality: Your actual spending power is 76.5% of your nominal salary.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

Using the $76,500 Net Pay figure, here is the reality of the 50/30/20 rule in Wahpeton.

• Needs (50% | $38,250 | $3,188/mo)

  • Rent (1BR Market Rate): In Wahpeton, you are not paying Minneapolis or Fargo prices. Realistic market rent for a decent 1BR is $600 - $800. Let's budget $750.
  • Utilities: $200 - $300 (Heating costs are a major factor in ND winters).
  • Groceries/Food: $400 - $500.
  • Transport: Low mileage, but insurance/gas is required. $200.
  • Remaining "Needs" buffer: $1,400 (Plenty of room here).

• Wants (30% | $22,950 | $1,913/mo)

  • This is your discretionary income. In a small town, "Wants" often mean travel (since local entertainment is limited) or hobbies.

• Savings/Debt (20% | $15,300 | $1,275/mo)

  • This is your wealth-building rate. At $100k, you are saving aggressively compared to the local median.

3. Wahpeton Tax Context

North Dakota is a "Low Tax" state, but not a "No Tax" state.

• Vs. No Income Tax (Texas/Florida):

  • In TX or FL, your Net Pay would be roughly $79,000 (saving ~$2,500 more annually).
  • Verdict: ND taxes are low enough that they do not negate the value of a $100k salary. You lose a small amount to state tax, but gain lower property/sales tax burdens.

• Vs. High Tax (California/NY):

  • In CA/NY, your Net Pay would drop to roughly $65,000 - $68,000 (losing $8k+ annually).
  • Verdict: Wahpeton offers massive tax relief compared to coastal metros.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. The median household income in Wahpeton is significantly lower (often $50k - $60k). A $100k salary puts you in the upper income tier for the city. Your Purchasing Power is high because rent and housing costs are well below the national average.

"Is there local income tax?"
No. Wahpeton does not levy a local city income tax. You pay North Dakota state tax and Federal tax only.

"What about housing costs?"
While rent is low ($600 - $800), home prices have risen. However, a $100k salary easily supports a mortgage payment on a median-priced home in the area, keeping your housing cost well under the recommended 30% of gross income.