Illinois vs Maine Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $1,156/yr more in Illinois
$96/mo · $44/paycheck more
$57,880/yr in Illinois vs $56,724/yr in Maine.
Illinois
Take-home per paycheck
$2,226.15
$57,880/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Maine
Take-home per paycheck
$2,181.69
$56,724/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Illinois is 17% lower than in Maine.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,880 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $48,233 in Maine terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Maine comes out ahead by $8,491/yr.
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
Illinois: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. 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 | Illinois take-home | Maine take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,880 | $39,227 | + $653 |
| $75,000 | $57,880 | $56,724 | + $1,156 |
| $100,000 | $74,230 | $72,524 | + $1,706 |
| $150,000 | $106,366 | $103,560 | + $2,806 |
| $200,000 | $139,027 | $135,121 | + $3,906 |
| $300,000 | $200,327 | $194,221 | + $6,106 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Illinois. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Illinois or Maine?
At a $100,000 salary, Illinois results in $1,706 more annual take-home pay. Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. 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 Illinois vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $653/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,806/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $6,106/yr.
Do Illinois 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 Illinois or Maine?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Illinois is 4% lower than in Maine. Illinois's Regional Price Parity is 97.1 and Maine's is 100.8 (US average = 100).
Is Illinois cheaper than Maine?
Yes. Illinois has a lower cost of living than Maine (index 97.1 vs 100.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Maine more expensive than Illinois?
Yes. Maine has a higher cost of living (index 100.8) compared to Illinois (index 97.1). 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 $74,230 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $71,505 in Maine terms. Conversely, $72,524 in Maine equals $75,287 in Illinois terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maine comes out ahead.
Illinois vs Maine cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 4% different between Illinois and Maine. Living costs are about 3% 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.
Related tools
- Illinois vs Maine Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Illinois?
- How much house can you afford in Maine?
Illinois Paycheck Estimator · Maine Paycheck Estimator · All states