Side-by-side tax comparison between Hawaii (11% 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.
Hawaii uses a graduated income tax (1.4-11%) while Maine has a graduated system (5.8-7.15%). On a $100K salary, Hawaii takes $7,150 in state and local taxes compared to Maine’s $4,648 \u2014 a difference of $2,502.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Hawaii’s top rate of 11% is higher than Maine’s 7.15%.
Maine wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Hawaii | Maine | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $31,460 | $32,461 | +$1,001 | Maine |
| $50K | $38,780 | $40,031 | +$1,251 | Maine |
| $60K | $46,100 | $47,602 | +$1,502 | Maine |
| $75K | $56,175 | $58,052 | +$1,877 | Maine |
| $100K | $71,975 | $74,478 | +$2,503 | Maine |
| $120K | $84,615 | $87,618 | +$3,003 | Maine |
| $150K | $103,026 | $106,780 | +$3,754 | Maine |
| $200K | $134,587 | $139,592 | +$5,005 | Maine |
| $250K | $165,389 | $171,645 | +$6,256 | Maine |
| $300K | $193,879 | $201,386 | +$7,508 | Maine |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Hawaii has a cost of living index of 192 while Maine is at 98 (national average = 100).
This is a substantial difference. After adjusting for cost of living, $100K in Hawaii has purchasing power of $37,487 compared to $75,997 in Maine. Maine wins on both raw take-home and cost-adjusted purchasing power, making it the clear winner for a $100K earner.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $77,560 in Hawaii and $80,063 in Maine \u2014 a difference of $2,503. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Hawaii to Maine would save $2,503/year on a $100K salary, or $12,513 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,503/year savings is meaningful but probably not enough to justify a move on its own. However, combined with other factors like career growth, lifestyle preferences, or family proximity, it could tip the scale.