Maine vs Minnesota Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $228/yr more in Minnesota

$19/mo · $9/paycheck more

Maine
Minnesota

$56,724/yr in Maine vs $56,952/yr in Minnesota.

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%

Minnesota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,190.46

$56,952/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,6406%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$56,95276%
Tax rates
Effective: 24.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 6.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maine is 22% higher than in Minnesota.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,724 in Maine has the purchasing power of $69,087 in Minnesota terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maine comes out ahead by $12,135/yr.

Housing
Median home$380,000vs$330,000
Maine
15% more
Minnesota
Avg 2BR rent$1,900/movs$1,128/mo
Maine
68% more
Minnesota
Groceries
Index
Maine
Minnesota
Transportation
Regular gas$3.47/galvs$3.26/gal
Maine
6% more
Minnesota
Utilities
Electric bill$174/movs$109/mo
Maine
59% more
Minnesota
Healthcare
Index
Maine
13% more
Minnesota
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,310/yrvs$22,569/yr
Maine
Minnesota
70% 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

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

Minnesota: Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%.

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

Salary Maine take-home Minnesota take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,227 $39,415 -$187
$75,000 $56,724 $56,952 -$228
$100,000 $72,524 $72,840 -$316
$150,000 $103,560 $103,568 -$9
$200,000 $135,121 $134,446 + $675
$300,000 $194,221 $190,846 + $3,375

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maine or Minnesota?

At a $100,000 salary, Minnesota results in $316 more annual take-home pay. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%. Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $187/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $9/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $3,375/yr.

Do Maine and Minnesota 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 Maine or Minnesota?

Minnesota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maine is 3% higher than in Minnesota. Maine's Regional Price Parity is 100.8 and Minnesota's is 98.2 (US average = 100).

Is Minnesota cheaper than Maine?

Yes. Minnesota has a lower cost of living than Maine (index 98.2 vs 100.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maine more expensive than Minnesota?

Yes. Maine has a higher cost of living (index 100.8) compared to Minnesota (index 98.2). 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 $72,524 in Maine has the purchasing power of $74,444 in Minnesota terms. Conversely, $72,840 in Minnesota equals $70,961 in Maine terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maine comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 3% different between Maine and Minnesota. Living costs are about at the national average Living costs are about 2% below 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 Maine and Minnesota?

Maine requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Minnesota 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

Maine Paycheck Estimator · Minnesota Paycheck Estimator · All states