Maine vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $4,869/yr more in Tennessee
$406/mo · $187/paycheck more
$56,724/yr in Maine vs $61,593/yr in Tennessee.
Maine
Take-home per paycheck
$2,181.69
$56,724/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Tennessee
Take-home per paycheck
$2,368.94
$61,593/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Maine is 27% higher than in Tennessee.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,724 in Maine has the purchasing power of $71,770 in Tennessee terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Maine comes out ahead by $10,178/yr.
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%.
Tennessee: Tennessee 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 | Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
At a $100,000 salary, Tennessee 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%. Tennessee has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.
How much more do you take home in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maine is 11% higher than in Tennessee. Maine's Regional Price Parity is 100.8 and Tennessee's is 90.7 (US average = 100).
Is Tennessee cheaper than Maine?
Yes. Tennessee has a lower cost of living than Maine (index 90.7 vs 100.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Maine more expensive than Tennessee?
Yes. Maine has a higher cost of living (index 100.8) compared to Tennessee (index 90.7). 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 $80,600 in Tennessee terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Tennessee equals $71,246 in Maine terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maine comes out ahead.
Maine vs Tennessee cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 10% different between Maine and Tennessee. Living costs are about at the national average Living costs are 9% 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 Tennessee?
Maine requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Tennessee has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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 vs Tennessee Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Maine?
- How much house can you afford in Tennessee?
- Maine Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Tennessee Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Maine Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Tennessee Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
Maine Paycheck Estimator · Tennessee Paycheck Estimator · All states