Maine vs Utah: Which State Keeps More Money in Your Pocket?
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Running the numbers on $85,000 shows 7.15% versus 4.85% creates about $1,955 in take-home difference. Utah stays competitive by offering outdoor recreation. Recent migration data indicates nature lovers moving toward Utah, while skiers increasingly choose Maine.
Between Maine's 7.15% and Utah's 4.85%, the tax differential hits around $1,955 yearly at $85,000. That's real money in anyone's book, even if the decision ultimately comes down to more than just tax policy.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Maine at 7.15% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $85,000): Utah saves you ~$1,955
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Maine | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 5.8% - 7.15% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,590
Take Home: $37,410
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
+$650
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,885
Take Home: $56,115
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
+$975
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $6,475
Take Home: $93,525
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
+$1,625
|
| Cost of Living | Maine's costs split dramatically by location. Portland and coastal communities command prices approaching or exceeding some major metros - median home prices in desirable coastal areas often exceed $400,000-500,000. Summer tourism drives vacation rental markets, further inflating housing costs. Inland cities like Lewiston, Auburn, and Bangor offer substantially better value with homes often available for $200,000-300,000. Property taxes can be substantial in municipalities with strong schools. Heating costs run high during long winters - oil, propane, or electric heating represents major annual expense. Groceries cost more than national averages. The split means identical salaries deliver vastly different lifestyles depending on whether you choose coastal amenities or inland affordability. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
Pros & Cons
Maine
✓ Advantages
- Beautiful coastal scenery
- Good quality of life
- Strong tourism industry
- Safe communities
⚠ Considerations
- Higher state income tax
- Cold long winters
- Limited job market
- Aging population
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
Utah delivers measurable tax benefits—approximately $1,955 at $85,000. Maine attracts talent despite higher rates, primarily through outdoor recreation. nature lovers demographics cluster in Utah, while skiers sectors find Maine's strengths worth the premium.📢 Share This Comparison
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