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.
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 $4,648 in state and local taxes compared to Vermont’s $5,688 \u2014 a difference of $1,040.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Vermont’s top rate of 8.75% is higher than Maine’s 7.15%.
Maine 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 | $32,461 | $32,045 | −$416 | Maine |
| $50K | $40,031 | $39,511 | −$520 | Maine |
| $60K | $47,602 | $46,978 | −$624 | Maine |
| $75K | $58,052 | $57,272 | −$780 | Maine |
| $100K | $74,478 | $73,438 | −$1,040 | Maine |
| $120K | $87,618 | $86,370 | −$1,248 | Maine |
| $150K | $106,780 | $105,220 | −$1,560 | Maine |
| $200K | $139,592 | $137,512 | −$2,080 | Maine |
| $250K | $171,645 | $169,045 | −$2,600 | Maine |
| $300K | $201,386 | $198,266 | −$3,120 | Maine |
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 $75,997 in Maine vs $69,940 in Vermont. The take-home winner also wins on purchasing power.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,063 in Maine and $79,023 in Vermont \u2014 a difference of $1,040. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Vermont to Maine would save $1,040/year on a $100K salary, or $5,200 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,040/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.