Cost of living, taxes, and quality of life compared for 2026, with a verdict.
Maine vs New Hampshire comes down to what you value. New Hampshire is the more affordable of the two, its cost of living runs about 3% lower than Maine, so the same paycheck stretches further. New Hampshire ranks higher overall on our Best Life Rank (#2 vs #25), balancing cost against quality of life. Maine is strongest on safety and weakest on economy; New Hampshire is strongest on safety and weakest on climate.
| Metric | Maine | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| BLISS score (cost) | 1.13 13% above average | 1.10 10% above average |
| Best Life Rank | #25 | #2 |
| Cost of living | #39 | #37 |
| Climate | #31 | #29 |
| Healthcare | #17 | #3 |
| Schools | #18 | #4 |
| Safety | #2 | #1 |
| Economy | #36 | #16 |
| Air quality | #6 | #3 |
Ranks are out of 50 states (#1 = best). BLISS score is a cost-of-living multiplier where 1.00 = the U.S. average; lower is cheaper. Green = the better of the two.
To live the way $100,000 does in Maine, you'd need about $97,500 in New Hampshire.
To live the way $100,000 does in New Hampshire, you'd need about $102,500 in Maine.
Based on each state's BLISS cost score. See your real after-tax paycheck in each state below.
On $80,000 a year, your estimated take-home pay is about $60,886 in Maine and $65,110 in New Hampshire after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax.
Calculate your exact number with the Maine paycheck calculator or the New Hampshire paycheck calculator.
Simplified 2026 estimate for a single filer taking the standard deduction, before local taxes, benefits, and credits.
Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after Maine taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after New Hampshire taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›New Hampshire is cheaper. Its cost of living is about 3% lower, reflected in a BLISS score of 1.10 versus 1.13. A lower BLISS score means your paycheck goes further.
On our Best Life Rank, which balances cost against climate, healthcare, schools, safety, economy and air quality, New Hampshire ranks higher (#2 vs #25). But 'better' depends on your priorities, New Hampshire leads on safety, and Maine does not come out ahead on any of the six.
Because of the cost-of-living difference, $100,000 in Maine is roughly equivalent to $97,500 in New Hampshire for the same lifestyle. See each state's real after-tax take-home pay with our paycheck guides linked above.