Massachusetts vs New Hampshire: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Massachusetts vs New Hampshire comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. NH has no income tax but borders Massachusetts (5%-9%) — popular for cross-border workers; comparing MA's tax structure against NH's no-income, no-sales-tax model.
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 | Massachusetts | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 5.00% (flat) | None |
| State sales tax | 6.25% | 0.00% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 1.14% | 1.86% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $15.00/hr | $7.25/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | Yes | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $590,000 | $480,000 |
| Foreclosure type | mixed | non-judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 110.7 | 105.4 |
| Median household income (2024) | $99,860 | $90,830 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $2,480/mo | $1,750/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Massachusetts: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,625, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.25% on consumption.
- New Hampshire: estimated state income tax $0 (no state income tax), plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 0.00% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Massachusetts ≈ $$4,560/year; New Hampshire ≈ $$7,440/year.
Why this comparison? NH has no income tax but borders Massachusetts (5%-9%) — popular for cross-border workers; comparing MA's tax structure against NH's no-income, no-sales-tax model.
Drill into specific calculators
Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Massachusetts has a cost-of-living index of 110.7 and New Hampshire is 105.4 (US average = 100). Median household income: Massachusetts $99,860, New Hampshire $90,830. Median 2-bedroom rent: Massachusetts $2,480/mo, New Hampshire $1,750/mo. New Hampshire is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Massachusetts or New Hampshire have lower income tax in 2026?
New Hampshire has no state income tax; Massachusetts has a top rate of 5.00%. New Hampshire is the clearly lower-income-tax state.
What about property taxes in Massachusetts vs New Hampshire?
Massachusetts's average effective property tax rate is 1.14% (e.g., $4,560/year on a $400,000 home). New Hampshire's rate is 1.86% ($7,440/year on $400K). Massachusetts has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
Massachusetts's 2026 minimum wage is $15.00/hour; New Hampshire's is $7.25/hour. Massachusetts is higher.