Maine vs New Hampshire 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 $4,869/yr more in New Hampshire

$406/mo · $187/paycheck more

Maine
New Hampshire

$56,724/yr in Maine vs $61,593/yr in New Hampshire.

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%

New Hampshire

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maine is 3% higher than in New Hampshire.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,724 in Maine has the purchasing power of $58,521 in New Hampshire terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, New Hampshire comes out ahead by $3,072/yr.

Housing
Median home$380,000vs$465,000
Maine
New Hampshire
22% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,900/movs$1,618/mo
Maine
17% more
New Hampshire
Groceries
Index
Maine
2% more
New Hampshire
Transportation
Regular gas$3.47/galvs$3.42/gal
Maine
1% more
New Hampshire
Utilities
Electric bill$174/movs$183/mo
Maine
New Hampshire
5% more
Healthcare
Index
Maine
7% more
New Hampshire
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,310/yrvs$17,364/yr
Maine
New Hampshire
30% 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%.

New Hampshire: New Hampshire has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

Salary Maine take-home New Hampshire take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,227 $42,355 -$3,128
$75,000 $56,724 $61,593 -$4,869
$100,000 $72,524 $79,180 -$6,656
$150,000 $103,560 $113,791 -$10,231
$200,000 $135,121 $148,927 -$13,806
$300,000 $194,221 $215,177 -$20,956

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maine or New Hampshire?

At a $100,000 salary, New Hampshire results in $6,656 more annual take-home pay. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%. New Hampshire has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $3,128/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $10,231/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $20,956/yr.

Do Maine and New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

Maine is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maine is 5% lower than in New Hampshire. Maine's Regional Price Parity is 100.8 and New Hampshire's is 106.1 (US average = 100).

Is Maine cheaper than New Hampshire?

Yes. Maine has a lower cost of living than New Hampshire (index 100.8 vs 106.1). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is New Hampshire more expensive than Maine?

Yes. New Hampshire has a higher cost of living (index 106.1) 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 $72,524 in Maine has the purchasing power of $68,901 in New Hampshire terms. Conversely, $79,180 in New Hampshire equals $83,343 in Maine terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, New Hampshire comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 5% different between Maine and New Hampshire. Living costs are about at the national average Living costs are 6% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, New Hampshire gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Maine Paycheck Estimator · New Hampshire Paycheck Estimator · All states