Maine vs Vermont:
Take-Home Pay Comparison
Side-by-side tax comparison between Maine (7.15% top rate, graduated) and Vermont (8.75% 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 Vermont
Maine uses a graduated income tax (5.8-7.15%) while Vermont has a graduated system (3.35-8.75%). On a $100K salary, Maine takes $5,490 in state and local taxes compared to Vermont’s $4,218 \u2014 a difference of $1,272.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Vermont’s top rate of 8.75% is higher than Maine’s 7.15%.
Take-Home at Every Salary Level
Vermont wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Maine | Vermont | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,934 | $33,399 | +$465 | Vermont |
| $50K | $40,321 | $41,099 | +$777 | Vermont |
| $60K | $47,681 | $48,799 | +$1,117 | Vermont |
| $75K | $57,816 | $58,969 | +$1,153 | Vermont |
| $100K | $73,635 | $74,907 | +$1,272 | Vermont |
| $120K | $86,275 | $87,657 | +$1,382 | Vermont |
| $150K | $104,686 | $106,018 | +$1,332 | Vermont |
| $200K | $136,247 | $137,354 | +$1,107 | Vermont |
| $250K | $167,049 | $167,931 | +$882 | Vermont |
| $300K | $195,538 | $195,672 | +$134 | Vermont |
Cost of Living: Maine (98) vs Vermont (105)
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Maine has a cost of living index of 98 while Vermont is at 105 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $75,137 in Maine vs $71,340 in Vermont. However, Maine actually provides better purchasing power despite Vermont’s take-home 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 $82,199 in Vermont \u2014 a difference of $1,556. The gap widens under married filing, making the state choice even more impactful for married filers.
Should You Move from Maine to Vermont?
On paper, moving from Maine to Vermont would save $1,272/year on a $100K salary, or $6,361 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,272/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.