Massachusetts vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $3,750/yr more in New Hampshire

$313/mo · $144/paycheck more

Massachusetts
New Hampshire

$57,843/yr in Massachusetts vs $61,593/yr in New Hampshire.

Massachusetts

Take-home per paycheck

$2,224.71

$57,843/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7505%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,84377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

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 Massachusetts is 34% higher than in New Hampshire.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,843 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $77,734 in New Hampshire terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $16,142/yr.

Housing
Median home$620,000vs$465,000
Massachusetts
33% more
New Hampshire
Avg 2BR rent$3,094/movs$1,618/mo
Massachusetts
91% more
New Hampshire
Groceries
Index
Massachusetts
3% more
New Hampshire
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.42/gal
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Utilities
Electric bill$212/movs$183/mo
Massachusetts
16% more
New Hampshire
Healthcare
Index
Massachusetts
24% more
New Hampshire
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$26,709/yrvs$17,364/yr
Massachusetts
54% more
New Hampshire

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

Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

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 Massachusetts take-home New Hampshire take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,855 $42,355 -$2,500
$75,000 $57,843 $61,593 -$3,750
$100,000 $74,180 $79,180 -$5,000
$150,000 $106,291 $113,791 -$7,500
$200,000 $138,927 $148,927 -$10,000
$300,000 $200,177 $215,177 -$15,000

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Massachusetts or New Hampshire?

At a $100,000 salary, New Hampshire results in $5,000 more annual take-home pay. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%. 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 $2,500/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $7,500/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $15,000/yr.

Do Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts or New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Massachusetts is 4% higher than in New Hampshire. Massachusetts's Regional Price Parity is 110.8 and New Hampshire's is 106.1 (US average = 100).

Is New Hampshire cheaper than Massachusetts?

Yes. New Hampshire has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 106.1 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Massachusetts more expensive than New Hampshire?

Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to New Hampshire (index 106.1). 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 $74,180 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $77,466 in New Hampshire terms. Conversely, $79,180 in New Hampshire equals $75,821 in Massachusetts terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 5% different between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Living costs are 11% above the national average Living costs are 6% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · New Hampshire Paycheck Estimator · All states