Maine vs North Dakota Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $3,240/yr more in North Dakota

$270/mo · $125/paycheck more

Maine
North Dakota

$56,724/yr in Maine vs $59,963/yr in North Dakota.

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%

North Dakota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,306.29

$59,963/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$1,6292%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,96380%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.0%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 2.5%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maine is 25% higher than in North Dakota.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,724 in Maine has the purchasing power of $70,983 in North Dakota terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maine comes out ahead by $11,020/yr.

Housing
Median home$380,000vs$255,000
Maine
49% more
North Dakota
Avg 2BR rent$1,900/movs$1,060/mo
Maine
79% more
North Dakota
Groceries
Index
Maine
4% more
North Dakota
Transportation
Regular gas$3.47/galvs$3.08/gal
Maine
13% more
North Dakota
Utilities
Electric bill$174/movs$70/mo
Maine
148% more
North Dakota
Healthcare
Index
Maine
6% more
North Dakota
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,310/yrvs$12,373/yr
Maine
8% more
North Dakota

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%.

North Dakota: North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 1.95% to 2.90%.

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

Salary Maine take-home North Dakota take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,227 $41,351 -$2,124
$75,000 $56,724 $59,963 -$3,240
$100,000 $72,524 $76,926 -$4,402
$150,000 $103,560 $110,287 -$6,727
$200,000 $135,121 $144,173 -$9,052
$300,000 $194,221 $207,627 -$13,406

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maine or North Dakota?

At a $100,000 salary, North Dakota results in $4,402 more annual take-home pay. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%. North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 1.95% to 2.90%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $2,124/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $6,727/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $13,406/yr.

Do Maine and North Dakota 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 North Dakota?

North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maine is 10% higher than in North Dakota. Maine's Regional Price Parity is 100.8 and North Dakota's is 91.6 (US average = 100).

Is North Dakota cheaper than Maine?

Yes. North Dakota has a lower cost of living than Maine (index 91.6 vs 100.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maine more expensive than North Dakota?

Yes. Maine has a higher cost of living (index 100.8) compared to North Dakota (index 91.6). 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 $79,808 in North Dakota terms. Conversely, $76,926 in North Dakota equals $69,905 in Maine terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maine comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 9% different between Maine and North Dakota. Living costs are about at the national average Living costs are 8% 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 North Dakota?

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