Maine vs Mississippi Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

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Annual salary

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Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $1,869/yr more in Mississippi

$156/mo · $72/paycheck more

Maine
Mississippi

$56,724/yr in Maine vs $58,593/yr in Mississippi.

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%

Mississippi

Take-home per paycheck

$2,253.56

$58,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,0004%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,59378%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maine is 33% higher than in Mississippi.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,724 in Maine has the purchasing power of $75,192 in Mississippi terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maine comes out ahead by $16,600/yr.

Housing
Median home$380,000vs$175,000
Maine
117% more
Mississippi
Avg 2BR rent$1,900/movs$1,002/mo
Maine
90% more
Mississippi
Groceries
Index
Maine
6% more
Mississippi
Transportation
Regular gas$3.47/galvs$3.05/gal
Maine
14% more
Mississippi
Utilities
Electric bill$174/movs$97/mo
Maine
80% more
Mississippi
Healthcare
Index
Maine
22% more
Mississippi
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,310/yrvs$6,868/yr
Maine
94% more
Mississippi

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%.

Mississippi: Mississippi has a flat state income tax of 4.00%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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

Salary Maine take-home Mississippi take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,227 $40,355 -$1,128
$75,000 $56,724 $58,593 -$1,869
$100,000 $72,524 $75,180 -$2,656
$150,000 $103,560 $107,791 -$4,231
$200,000 $135,121 $140,927 -$5,806
$300,000 $194,221 $203,177 -$8,956

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maine or Mississippi?

At a $100,000 salary, Mississippi results in $2,656 more annual take-home pay. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%. Mississippi has a flat state income tax of 4.00%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,128/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $4,231/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $8,956/yr.

Do Maine and Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

Mississippi is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maine is 17% higher than in Mississippi. Maine's Regional Price Parity is 100.8 and Mississippi's is 86.1 (US average = 100).

Is Mississippi cheaper than Maine?

Yes. Mississippi has a lower cost of living than Maine (index 86.1 vs 100.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maine more expensive than Mississippi?

Yes. Maine has a higher cost of living (index 100.8) compared to Mississippi (index 86.1). 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 $72,524 in Maine has the purchasing power of $84,906 in Mississippi terms. Conversely, $75,180 in Mississippi equals $64,216 in Maine terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maine comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 15% different between Maine and Mississippi. Living costs are about at the national average Living costs are 14% below the national average, the lowest in the US 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 Mississippi?

Maine requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Mississippi 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 · Mississippi Paycheck Estimator · All states