Maine vs Rhode Island 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 $2,056/yr more in Rhode Island

$171/mo · $79/paycheck more

Maine
Rhode Island

$56,724/yr in Maine vs $58,780/yr in Rhode Island.

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%

Rhode Island

Take-home per paycheck

$2,260.77

$58,780/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,8134%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,78078%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 3.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maine is 3% higher than in Rhode Island.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,724 in Maine has the purchasing power of $58,415 in Rhode Island terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Rhode Island comes out ahead by $365/yr.

Housing
Median home$380,000vs$440,000
Maine
Rhode Island
16% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,900/movs$1,611/mo
Maine
18% more
Rhode Island
Groceries
Index
Maine
Rhode Island
Transportation
Regular gas$3.47/galvs$3.40/gal
Maine
2% more
Rhode Island
Utilities
Electric bill$174/movs$214/mo
Maine
Rhode Island
23% more
Healthcare
Index
Maine
14% more
Rhode Island
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,310/yrvs$16,758/yr
Maine
Rhode Island
26% 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%.

Rhode Island: Rhode Island uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%.

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

Salary Maine take-home Rhode Island take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,227 $40,480 -$1,253
$75,000 $56,724 $58,780 -$2,056
$100,000 $72,524 $75,205 -$2,681
$150,000 $103,560 $107,441 -$3,881
$200,000 $135,121 $139,905 -$4,784
$300,000 $194,221 $200,164 -$5,944

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maine or Rhode Island?

At a $100,000 salary, Rhode Island results in $2,681 more annual take-home pay. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%. Rhode Island uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,253/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $3,881/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $5,944/yr.

Do Maine and Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?

Maine is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maine and Rhode Island is about the same. Maine's Regional Price Parity is 100.8 and Rhode Island's is 100.9 (US average = 100).

Is Maine cheaper than Rhode Island?

Yes. Maine has a lower cost of living than Rhode Island (index 100.8 vs 100.9). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Rhode Island more expensive than Maine?

Yes. Rhode Island has a higher cost of living (index 100.9) 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 $72,452 in Rhode Island terms. Conversely, $75,205 in Rhode Island equals $75,279 in Maine terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Rhode Island comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 0% different between Maine and Rhode Island. Living costs are about at the national average Living costs are about 1% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Rhode Island gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Maine and Rhode Island?

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