Maine vs New Jersey Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,789
in Maine
$65,048
in New Jersey
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Maine | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 135.7 | 141.9 | -4% |
| Groceries | 101.0 | 103.5 | -2% |
| Utilities | 118.9 | 102.2 | +16% |
| Transportation | 103.6 | 102.1 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 115.3 | 110.8 | +4% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.0 | 104.5 | -2% |
| Overall | 114.0 | 115.3 | -1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maine.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maine | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $380,000 | $500,000 | $120,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,900/mo | $1,987/mo | $87 |
| Gas price | $3.47/gal | $3.44/gal | +$0.03 |
| Electric bill | $174/mo | $144/mo | +$30 |
| Infant childcare | $13,310/yr | $18,155/yr | $4,845 |
Salary equivalent: Maine → New Jersey
What a Maine salary buys you in New Jersey, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maine | Equivalent in New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,570 | $-570 |
| $75,000 | $75,855 | $-855 |
| $100,000 | $101,140 | $-1,140 |
| $150,000 | $151,711 | $-1,711 |
| $200,000 | $202,281 | $-2,281 |
Positive = your money goes further in New Jersey. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Maine and New Jersey have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 114 and 115.3 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maine or New Jersey?
Maine and New Jersey have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Maine cheaper than New Jersey?
Maine and New Jersey cost roughly the same to live in.
Is New Jersey more expensive than Maine?
Maine and New Jersey have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in New Jersey equals $100,000 in Maine?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maine, you would need approximately $101,140 in New Jersey. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (114 vs 115.3).
How do housing costs compare between Maine and New Jersey?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Maine. Median home prices are $380,000 in Maine vs $500,000 in New Jersey — a $120,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,900/mo vs $1,987/mo.
What costs more in Maine vs New Jersey?
Utilities is 16% higher in Maine (index 118.9 vs 102.2). Housing is 4% lower in Maine (index 135.7 vs 141.9). Healthcare is 4% higher in Maine (index 115.3 vs 110.8).
Is gas cheaper in Maine or New Jersey?
Gas averages $3.47/gallon in Maine and $3.44/gallon in New Jersey — a $0.03 difference per gallon.
Maine vs New Jersey cost of living — how do they compare?
Maine has an overall cost-of-living index of 114 and New Jersey has 115.3 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maine and New Jersey?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets, topping out at 7.15% on income over $58,050. New Jersey has a progressive income tax with 7 brackets, topping out at 10.75% on income over $1 million. Use the Maine vs New Jersey paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Maine and New Jersey?
Maine requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Jersey requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Maine Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Jersey Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maine vs New Jersey Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maine — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Jersey — How much house can you afford?
- Maine Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Jersey Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Maine Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Jersey Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Maine Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- New Jersey Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.