1Washington
Lowest17.9%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $0
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $13,408
- Net income (annual)
- $61,593
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Maine vs Washington Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $3,881 less state income tax a year in Washington than in Maine, which is about $323 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $9,229 in favor of Washington.
Maine: up to 7.15%Washington: no state taxUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare Maine and Washington for your income
Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.
State comparison
Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.
2Maine
23.1%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $3,881
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $17,288
- Net income (annual)
- $57,712
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Washington
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,117
Monthly take-home$5,133
Maine
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,441
Monthly take-home$4,809
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
Maine vs Washington: how the two systems differ
| Maine | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 3 brackets | No tax on wages |
| Top rate | 7.15% | 0% |
| Lowest rate | 5.8% | 0% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $8,350 standard deduction, $5,300 personal exemption | Not applicable |
State income tax and take-home pay at every salary
The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.
| Income | ME state tax | WA state tax | Difference | ME take-home | WA take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $948 | $0 | $948 less in Washington | $25,337 | $26,285 |
| $40,000 | $1,528 | $0 | $1,528 less in Washington | $32,792 | $34,320 |
| $50,000 | $2,193 | $0 | $2,193 less in Washington | $40,162 | $42,355 |
| $60,000 | $2,868 | $0 | $2,868 less in Washington | $47,522 | $50,390 |
| $75,000 | $3,881 | $0 | $3,881 less in Washington | $57,712 | $61,593 |
| $100,000 | $5,654 | $0 | $5,654 less in Washington | $73,526 | $79,180 |
| $150,000 | $9,229 | $0 | $9,229 less in Washington | $104,562 | $113,791 |
| $250,000 | $16,379 | $0 | $16,379 less in Washington | $166,803 | $183,182 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | ME state tax | WA state tax | Difference | ME take-home | WA take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,767 | $0 | $2,767 less in Washington | $61,856 | $64,623 |
| $100,000 | $4,386 | $0 | $4,386 less in Washington | $80,324 | $84,710 |
| $150,000 | $7,761 | $0 | $7,761 less in Washington | $115,424 | $123,185 |
| $250,000 | $14,883 | $0 | $14,883 less in Washington | $182,585 | $197,468 |
Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.
Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?
For a single filer, Maine and Washington charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Washington is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Maine (single filers)
| 5.8% | Up to $27,399 |
| 6.75% | $27,400 to $64,849 |
| 7.15% | Over $64,849 |
Washington (single filers)
Washington does not tax wages. It taxes long-term capital gains above a threshold (7% and 9% tiers) and charges payroll premiums for paid family leave, which are not included here.
Full details for each state: Maine income tax calculator and Washington income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Maine vs Washington FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Maine or Washington?+
Washington is lower at $75,000: $0 of state income tax versus $3,881 in Maine. At $150,000 it is $9,229 in Maine and $0 in Washington. For a single filer, Maine and Washington charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Washington is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Maine versus Washington?+
A single filer keeping $73,526 a year in Maine would keep $79,180 in Washington after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $5,654 a year, or $471 a month.
How do the Maine and Washington income tax systems differ?+
Maine uses progressive rates up to 7.15%; Washington has no tax on wages. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this Maine vs Washington comparison?+
No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.
Should I move from Maine to Washington to save on taxes?+
State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.
Sources
- Tax Foundation: 2026 state individual income tax rates and brackets
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.
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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.