Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison [2026]
Compare Massachusetts wage-tax estimates against neighboring New Hampshire's no-wage-tax profile, with Maine as an additional Northeast reference.
At $85,000
On a $85,000 salary, New Hampshire leaves the most: an estimated $68,628 a year. The gap across these 3 is $4,485, which is state income tax alone — before any difference in what it costs to live in each.
| Jurisdiction | State income tax | Take-home | Behind leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $4,030 | $64,207 | $4,421 |
| New Hampshire | $0 | $68,628 | — |
| Maine | $4,060 | $64,143 | $4,485 |
Where this sits in Massachusetts's schedule
Massachusetts runs a graduated schedule of 2 bands. After $4,400 of state deductions it taxes $80,600, putting the top dollar in the 5% band and producing $4,030 of state tax — 4.74% of gross pay. Its 5% band ends at $1,107,750 of state taxable income, $1,027,150 above where this salary lands.
New Hampshire takes no income tax on this
New Hampshire levies no individual income tax on wages, so nothing is withheld for state income tax and the whole $85,000 is reduced by federal income tax and FICA alone. That also means the state share does not change as this salary rises — the only progression left in the figures above is federal.
Where this sits in Maine's schedule
Maine runs a graduated schedule of 3 bands. After $21,000 of state deductions it taxes $64,000, putting the top dollar in the 6.75% band and producing $4,060 of state tax — 4.78% of gross pay. Its 6.75% band ends at $64,849 of state taxable income, $849 above where this salary lands.
A single filer paid biweekly, no dependents and no 401(k) contribution, on 2026 rules reviewed through 2026-08-09. State income tax only — local and municipal taxes are excluded, as is cost of living. Use the calculator above for your own salary and filing status.
Common questions
Which state leaves you with more take-home pay, Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
On a $85,000 single-filer salary, New Hampshire leaves the most of these 3: an estimated $68,628 a year. The gap across all 3 is $4,485, and that is state income tax alone.
Does this comparison include cost of living?
No. The $4,485 gap here is state income tax on the same salary, before rent, housing, insurance or sales tax. Those routinely reverse the order: a jurisdiction that keeps more of a paycheck is frequently a more expensive place to spend it. Treat this as the tax half of the question.
What salary and filing status is this based on?
A single filer earning $85,000 a year with no dependants and no pre-tax deductions, using 2026 federal, FICA and state rules. A different salary changes the ranking, because states with graduated brackets move relative to flat-rate ones as income rises.