Side-by-side tax comparison between Maine (7.15% top rate, graduated) and Minnesota (9.85% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Maine uses a graduated income tax (5.8-7.15%) while Minnesota has a graduated system (5.35-9.85%). On a $100K salary, Maine takes $4,648 in state and local taxes compared to Minnesota’s $6,402 \u2014 a difference of $1,755.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Minnesota’s top rate of 9.85% is higher than Maine’s 7.15%.
Maine wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Maine | Minnesota | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,461 | $31,759 | −$702 | Maine |
| $50K | $40,031 | $39,154 | −$878 | Maine |
| $60K | $47,602 | $46,549 | −$1,053 | Maine |
| $75K | $58,052 | $56,736 | −$1,316 | Maine |
| $100K | $74,478 | $72,723 | −$1,755 | Maine |
| $120K | $87,618 | $85,512 | −$2,106 | Maine |
| $150K | $106,780 | $104,147 | −$2,633 | Maine |
| $200K | $139,592 | $136,082 | −$3,510 | Maine |
| $250K | $171,645 | $167,258 | −$4,388 | Maine |
| $300K | $201,386 | $196,121 | −$5,265 | Maine |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Maine has a cost of living index of 98 while Minnesota is at 99 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (98 vs 99), the tax difference is the primary factor. What you see in raw take-home pay is essentially what you get in purchasing power: $75,997 in Maine vs $73,457 in Minnesota.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,063 in Maine and $78,308 in Minnesota \u2014 a difference of $1,755. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Minnesota to Maine would save $1,755/year on a $100K salary, or $8,775 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,755/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.