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 $5,490 in state and local taxes compared to New Jersey’s $4,180 \u2014 a difference of $1,310.
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
New Jersey wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Maine | New Jersey | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,934 | $33,638 | +$704 | New Jersey |
| $50K | $40,321 | $41,140 | +$819 | New Jersey |
| $60K | $47,681 | $48,623 | +$941 | New Jersey |
| $75K | $57,816 | $58,942 | +$1,125 | New Jersey |
| $100K | $73,635 | $74,945 | +$1,310 | New Jersey |
| $120K | $86,275 | $87,741 | +$1,466 | New Jersey |
| $150K | $104,686 | $106,386 | +$1,700 | New Jersey |
| $200K | $136,247 | $138,337 | +$2,090 | New Jersey |
| $250K | $167,049 | $169,529 | +$2,480 | New Jersey |
| $300K | $195,538 | $198,408 | +$2,870 | New Jersey |
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 $75,137 compared to $65,170 in New Jersey. Interestingly, Maine wins on purchasing power even though New Jersey has higher raw take-home pay. The cost of living difference more than offsets the tax advantage.
Married Filing Jointly: How It Changes the Comparison
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,643 in Maine and $82,071 in New Jersey \u2014 a difference of $1,428. The gap widens under married filing, making the state choice even more impactful for married filers.
Should You Move from Maine to New Jersey?
On paper, moving from Maine to New Jersey would save $1,310/year on a $100K salary, or $6,552 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,310/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.