Maine vs New Jersey:
Take-Home Pay Comparison
Side-by-side tax comparison between Maine (7.15% top rate, graduated) and New Jersey (10.75% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Tax Structure: Maine vs New Jersey
Maine uses a graduated income tax (5.8-7.15%) while New Jersey has a graduated system (1.4-10.75%). On a $100K salary, Maine takes $4,648 in state and local taxes compared to New Jersey’s $6,988 \u2014 a difference of $2,340.
Both states use graduated brackets, but New Jersey’s top rate of 10.75% is higher than Maine’s 7.15%.
Take-Home at Every Salary Level
Maine wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Maine | New Jersey | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,461 | $31,525 | −$936 | Maine |
| $50K | $40,031 | $38,861 | −$1,170 | Maine |
| $60K | $47,602 | $46,198 | −$1,404 | Maine |
| $75K | $58,052 | $56,297 | −$1,755 | Maine |
| $100K | $74,478 | $72,138 | −$2,340 | Maine |
| $120K | $87,618 | $84,810 | −$2,808 | Maine |
| $150K | $106,780 | $103,270 | −$3,510 | Maine |
| $200K | $139,592 | $134,912 | −$4,680 | Maine |
| $250K | $171,645 | $165,795 | −$5,850 | Maine |
| $300K | $201,386 | $194,366 | −$7,020 | Maine |
Cost of Living: Maine (98) vs New Jersey (115)
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Maine has a cost of living index of 98 while New Jersey is at 115 (national average = 100).
This is a substantial difference. After adjusting for cost of living, $100K in Maine has purchasing power of $75,997 compared to $62,728 in New Jersey. Maine wins on both raw take-home and cost-adjusted purchasing power, making it the clear winner for a $100K earner.
Married Filing Jointly: How It Changes the Comparison
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,778 in Maine and $78,798 in New Jersey \u2014 a difference of $1,980. The gap narrows under married filing, as the wider brackets reduce the tax bite in both states.
Should You Move from New Jersey to Maine?
On paper, moving from New Jersey to Maine would save $2,340/year on a $100K salary, or $11,700 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,340/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.