Maine vs New York:
Take-Home Pay Comparison
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.
Tax Structure: Maine vs New York
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 $7,085 \u2014 a difference of $2,437.
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 $0/year on $100K), which Maine does not.
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 York | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,461 | $31,486 | −$975 | Maine |
| $50K | $40,031 | $38,813 | −$1,219 | Maine |
| $60K | $47,602 | $46,139 | −$1,463 | Maine |
| $75K | $58,052 | $56,224 | −$1,828 | Maine |
| $100K | $74,478 | $72,040 | −$2,438 | Maine |
| $120K | $87,618 | $84,693 | −$2,925 | Maine |
| $150K | $106,780 | $103,124 | −$3,656 | Maine |
| $200K | $139,592 | $134,717 | −$4,875 | Maine |
| $250K | $171,645 | $165,552 | −$6,094 | Maine |
| $300K | $201,386 | $194,074 | −$7,313 | Maine |
Cost of Living: Maine (98) vs New York (125)
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 $57,632 in New York. 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 $78,715 in New York \u2014 a difference of $2,063. The gap narrows under married filing, as the wider brackets reduce the tax bite in both states.
Should You Move from New York to Maine?
On paper, moving from New York to Maine would save $2,438/year on a $100K salary, or $12,188 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,438/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.