Maine vs Vermont: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Maine vs Vermont comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Northern New England pair — Maine's 7.15% top against Vermont's 8.75% top + Act 60/68 statewide education property tax structure.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Maine | Vermont |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 7.15% (progressive) | 8.75% (progressive) |
| State sales tax | 5.50% | 6.00% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 1.13% | 1.83% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $15.10/hr | $14.42/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | Yes | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $380,000 | $380,000 |
| Foreclosure type | judicial | judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 99.4 | 105.6 |
| Median household income (2024) | $70,260 | $76,160 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,740/mo | $1,640/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Maine: estimated state income tax ≈ $3,754, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 5.50% on consumption.
- Vermont: estimated state income tax ≈ $4,594, plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.00% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Maine ≈ $$4,520/year; Vermont ≈ $$7,320/year.
Combined annual state burden (income + property on $400K + 6% of $50K consumption sales tax) — Maine: ~$11,024; Vermont: ~$14,914.
Why this comparison? Northern New England pair — Maine's 7.15% top against Vermont's 8.75% top + Act 60/68 statewide education property tax structure.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Maine or Vermont?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Maine has a cost-of-living index of 99.4 and Vermont is 105.6 (US average = 100). Median household income: Maine $70,260, Vermont $76,160. Median 2-bedroom rent: Maine $1,740/mo, Vermont $1,640/mo. Maine is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Maine or Vermont have lower income tax in 2026?
Maine has a top income-tax rate of 7.15%; Vermont has 8.75%. Maine is lower at the top bracket.
What about property taxes in Maine vs Vermont?
Maine's average effective property tax rate is 1.13% (e.g., $4,520/year on a $400,000 home). Vermont's rate is 1.83% ($7,320/year on $400K). Maine has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Maine or Vermont?
Maine's 2026 minimum wage is $14.65/hour; Vermont's is $14.01/hour. Maine is higher.