Side-by-side tax comparison between Connecticut (6.99% top rate, graduated) and Maine (7.15% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Connecticut uses a graduated income tax (3-6.99%) while Maine has a graduated system (5.8-7.15%). On a $100K salary, Connecticut takes $4,544 in state and local taxes compared to Maine’s $4,648 \u2014 a difference of $104.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Maine’s top rate of 7.15% is higher than Connecticut’s 6.99%.
Connecticut wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Connecticut | Maine | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,503 | $32,461 | −$42 | Connecticut |
| $50K | $40,083 | $40,031 | −$52 | Connecticut |
| $60K | $47,664 | $47,602 | −$62 | Connecticut |
| $75K | $58,130 | $58,052 | −$78 | Connecticut |
| $100K | $74,582 | $74,478 | −$104 | Connecticut |
| $120K | $87,743 | $87,618 | −$125 | Connecticut |
| $150K | $106,936 | $106,780 | −$156 | Connecticut |
| $200K | $139,800 | $139,592 | −$208 | Connecticut |
| $250K | $171,905 | $171,645 | −$260 | Connecticut |
| $300K | $201,698 | $201,386 | −$312 | Connecticut |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Connecticut has a cost of living index of 111 while Maine is at 98 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $67,191 in Connecticut vs $75,997 in Maine. However, Maine actually provides better purchasing power despite Connecticut’s take-home advantage.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,167 in Connecticut and $80,063 in Maine \u2014 a difference of $104. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Maine to Connecticut would save $104/year on a $100K salary, or $520 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $104/year, the tax difference alone likely isn’t worth relocating for. Other factors — job market, lifestyle, family — should drive the decision. The tax savings are a nice bonus if you’re already considering the move for other reasons.