Side-by-side tax comparison between Maine (7.15% top rate, graduated) and Wisconsin (7.65% 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 Wisconsin has a graduated system (3.5-7.65%). On a $100K salary, Maine takes $4,648 in state and local taxes compared to Wisconsin’s $4,973 \u2014 a difference of $325.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Wisconsin’s top rate of 7.65% 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 | Wisconsin | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,461 | $32,331 | −$130 | Maine |
| $50K | $40,031 | $39,869 | −$163 | Maine |
| $60K | $47,602 | $47,407 | −$195 | Maine |
| $75K | $58,052 | $57,808 | −$244 | Maine |
| $100K | $74,478 | $74,153 | −$325 | Maine |
| $120K | $87,618 | $87,228 | −$390 | Maine |
| $150K | $106,780 | $106,292 | −$488 | Maine |
| $200K | $139,592 | $138,942 | −$650 | Maine |
| $250K | $171,645 | $170,833 | −$813 | Maine |
| $300K | $201,386 | $200,411 | −$975 | Maine |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Maine has a cost of living index of 98 while Wisconsin is at 93 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (98 vs 93), the tax difference is the primary factor. What you see in raw take-home pay is essentially what you get in purchasing power: $75,997 in Maine vs $79,734 in Wisconsin.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,063 in Maine and $79,738 in Wisconsin \u2014 a difference of $325. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Wisconsin to Maine would save $325/year on a $100K salary, or $1,625 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $325/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.