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.
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%.
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 |
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.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,063 in Maine and $77,723 in New Jersey \u2014 a difference of $2,340. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
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.