Idaho vs Maine Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $597/yr more in Idaho

$50/mo · $23/paycheck more

Idaho
Maine

$57,321/yr in Idaho vs $56,724/yr in Maine.

Idaho

Take-home per paycheck

$2,204.66

$57,321/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,2716%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,32176%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.7%

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 Idaho is 13% lower than in Maine.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,321 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $49,930 in Maine terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maine comes out ahead by $6,794/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$380,000
Idaho
11% more
Maine
Avg 2BR rent$1,404/movs$1,900/mo
Idaho
Maine
35% more
Groceries
Index
Idaho
Maine
2% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.47/gal
Idaho
Maine
2% more
Utilities
Electric bill$84/movs$174/mo
Idaho
Maine
107% more
Healthcare
Index
Idaho
Maine
8% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,630/yrvs$13,310/yr
Idaho
Maine
38% more

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

Idaho: Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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 Idaho take-home Maine take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,508 $39,227 + $280
$75,000 $57,321 $56,724 + $597
$100,000 $73,485 $72,524 + $961
$150,000 $105,249 $103,560 + $1,689
$200,000 $137,537 $135,121 + $2,416
$300,000 $198,092 $194,221 + $3,871

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Idaho or Maine?

At a $100,000 salary, Idaho results in $961 more annual take-home pay. Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $280/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,689/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $3,871/yr.

Do Idaho 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 Idaho or Maine?

Idaho is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Idaho is 5% lower than in Maine. Idaho's Regional Price Parity is 95.9 and Maine's is 100.8 (US average = 100).

Is Idaho cheaper than Maine?

Yes. Idaho has a lower cost of living than Maine (index 95.9 vs 100.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maine more expensive than Idaho?

Yes. Maine has a higher cost of living (index 100.8) compared to Idaho (index 95.9). 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 $73,485 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $69,913 in Maine terms. Conversely, $72,524 in Maine equals $76,229 in Idaho terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maine comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 5% different between Idaho and Maine. Living costs are about 4% below the national average Living costs are about at the national average After taxes and cost of living, Maine gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Idaho 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

Idaho Paycheck Estimator · Maine Paycheck Estimator · All states