Hawaii vs Maine Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $572/yr more in Maine

$48/mo · $22/paycheck more

Hawaii
Maine

$56,151/yr in Hawaii vs $56,724/yr in Maine.

Hawaii

Take-home per paycheck

$2,159.67

$56,151/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$5,4417%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$56,15175%
Tax rates
Effective: 25.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 8.3%

Maine

Take-home per paycheck

$2,181.69

$56,724/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,8696%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$56,72476%
Tax rates
Effective: 24.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 7.1%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Hawaii is 61% higher than in Maine.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,151 in Hawaii has the purchasing power of $90,581 in Maine terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Hawaii comes out ahead by $33,857/yr.

Housing
Median home$978,000vs$380,000
Hawaii
157% more
Maine
Avg 2BR rent$4,186/movs$1,900/mo
Hawaii
120% more
Maine
Groceries
Index
Hawaii
30% more
Maine
Transportation
Regular gas$4.59/galvs$3.47/gal
Hawaii
32% more
Maine
Utilities
Electric bill$337/movs$174/mo
Hawaii
93% more
Maine
Healthcare
Index
Hawaii
11% more
Maine
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$21,167/yrvs$13,310/yr
Hawaii
59% more
Maine

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Hawaii: Hawaii uses a progressive income tax with 12 brackets ranging from 1.40% to 11.00%.

Maine: Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Hawaii take-home Maine take-home Difference
$50,000 $38,976 $39,227 -$251
$75,000 $56,151 $56,724 -$572
$100,000 $71,676 $72,524 -$847
$150,000 $102,162 $103,560 -$1,397
$200,000 $132,548 $135,121 -$2,572
$300,000 $187,798 $194,221 -$6,422

Positive values mean higher take-home in Hawaii. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Hawaii or Maine?

At a $100,000 salary, Maine results in $847 more annual take-home pay. Hawaii uses a progressive income tax with 12 brackets ranging from 1.40% to 11.00%. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%.

How much more do you take home in Maine vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $251/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,397/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $6,422/yr.

Do Hawaii and Maine have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Maine?

Maine is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Hawaii is 18% higher than in Maine. Hawaii's Regional Price Parity is 119.3 and Maine's is 100.8 (US average = 100).

Is Maine cheaper than Hawaii?

Yes. Maine has a lower cost of living than Hawaii (index 100.8 vs 119.3). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Hawaii more expensive than Maine?

Yes. Hawaii has a higher cost of living (index 119.3) compared to Maine (index 100.8). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $71,676 in Hawaii has the purchasing power of $84,831 in Maine terms. Conversely, $72,524 in Maine equals $61,278 in Hawaii terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Hawaii comes out ahead.

Hawaii vs Maine cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 19% different between Hawaii and Maine. Living costs are 19% above the national average, the highest among states Living costs are about at the national average After taxes and cost of living, Hawaii gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Hawaii and Maine?

Hawaii requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Maine 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. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Hawaii Paycheck Estimator · Maine Paycheck Estimator · All states