Maine vs Texas Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $4,869/yr more in Texas

$406/mo · $187/paycheck more

Maine
Texas

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

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%

Texas

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 25% higher than in Texas.

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

After adjusting for cost of living, Maine comes out ahead by $9,391/yr.

Housing
Median home$380,000vs$295,000
Maine
29% more
Texas
Avg 2BR rent$1,900/movs$1,112/mo
Maine
71% more
Texas
Groceries
Index
Maine
6% more
Texas
Transportation
Regular gas$3.47/galvs$3.21/gal
Maine
8% more
Texas
Utilities
Electric bill$174/movs$87/mo
Maine
101% more
Texas
Healthcare
Index
Maine
19% more
Texas
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,310/yrvs$10,706/yr
Maine
24% more
Texas

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%.

Texas: Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas?

At a $100,000 salary, Texas 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%. Texas has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

How much more do you take home in Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas?

Texas is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maine is 3% higher than in Texas. Maine's Regional Price Parity is 100.8 and Texas's is 97.5 (US average = 100).

Is Texas cheaper than Maine?

Yes. Texas has a lower cost of living than Maine (index 97.5 vs 100.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maine more expensive than Texas?

Yes. Maine has a higher cost of living (index 100.8) compared to Texas (index 97.5). 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 $74,979 in Texas terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Texas equals $76,588 in Maine terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Texas comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 3% different between Maine and Texas. Living costs are about at the national average Living costs are about 3% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Texas gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Maine Paycheck Estimator · Texas Paycheck Estimator · All states