Side-by-side tax comparison between Maine (7.15% top rate) and Vermont (8.75% top rate).
| Salary | Maine | Vermont | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $39,616 | $39,016 | −$600 | Maine |
| $75K | $57,281 | $56,381 | −$900 | Maine |
| $100K | $73,528 | $72,328 | −$1,200 | Maine |
| $150K | $105,402 | $103,602 | −$1,800 | Maine |
| $200K | $138,378 | $135,978 | −$2,400 | Maine |
Maine offers higher take-home pay at every salary level. Maine's 7.15% top rate is more favorable than Vermont's 8.75%. At $100K, the difference is $1,200/year — that’s $100/month.
However, cost of living matters. Maine has a cost index of 98 while Vermont is at 105. With similar costs of living, the tax difference is the main factor.