Side-by-side tax comparison between Maine (7.15% top rate) and New Jersey (10.75% top rate).
| Salary | Maine | New Jersey | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $39,616 | $38,266 | −$1,350 | Maine |
| $75K | $57,281 | $55,256 | −$2,025 | Maine |
| $100K | $73,528 | $70,828 | −$2,700 | Maine |
| $150K | $105,402 | $101,352 | −$4,050 | Maine |
| $200K | $138,378 | $132,978 | −$5,400 | Maine |
Maine offers higher take-home pay at every salary level. Maine's 7.15% top rate is more favorable than New Jersey's 10.75%. At $100K, the difference is $2,700/year — that’s $225/month.
However, cost of living matters. Maine has a cost index of 98 while New Jersey is at 115. After adjusting for cost of living, the gap narrows significantly.