Side-by-side tax comparison between Maine (7.15% top rate, graduated) and New York (10.9% 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 York has a graduated system (4-10.9% + NYC local). On a $100K salary, Maine takes $4,648 in state and local taxes compared to New York’s $8,585 \u2014 a difference of $3,937.
Both states use graduated brackets, but New York’s top rate of 10.9% is higher than Maine’s 7.15%.
New York also has local income taxes (estimated at $1,500/year on $100K), which Maine does not.
Maine wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Maine | New York | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,461 | $30,886 | −$1,575 | Maine |
| $50K | $40,031 | $38,063 | −$1,969 | Maine |
| $60K | $47,602 | $45,239 | −$2,363 | Maine |
| $75K | $58,052 | $55,099 | −$2,953 | Maine |
| $100K | $74,478 | $70,540 | −$3,938 | Maine |
| $120K | $87,618 | $82,893 | −$4,725 | Maine |
| $150K | $106,780 | $100,874 | −$5,906 | Maine |
| $200K | $139,592 | $131,717 | −$7,875 | Maine |
| $250K | $171,645 | $161,802 | −$9,844 | Maine |
| $300K | $201,386 | $189,574 | −$11,813 | Maine |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Maine has a cost of living index of 98 while New York is at 125 (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 $56,432 in New York. 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 $76,125 in New York \u2014 a difference of $3,938. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from New York to Maine would save $3,938/year on a $100K salary, or $19,688 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $3,938/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.