State Comparison
Maine vs New Hampshire
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Maine leads in 9 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $424,000 in Maine vs $523,000 in New Hampshire — a $99,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Maine has a 7.15% top income tax rate while New Hampshire has no income tax. Property tax rates are 0.98% vs 1.5%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Maine's index is 114.6 and New Hampshire's is 110.1 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Maine and New Hampshire data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maine or New Hampshire more affordable?
New Hampshire has a lower cost of living index (110.1) compared to Maine (114.6), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Maine or New Hampshire?
It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, New Hampshire is lower on more of them. Maine has a 7.15% top income tax, 5.5% state sales tax, and a 0.98% effective property tax rate. New Hampshire has no income tax, 0% state sales tax, and a 1.5% effective property tax rate.
What are housing costs in Maine vs New Hampshire?
The typical home value in Maine is $424,000 compared to $523,000 in New Hampshire (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $1,681/month in Maine vs $2,040/month in New Hampshire.
Which state is better for starting a business — Maine or New Hampshire?
LLC filing costs are $175 in Maine vs $100 in New Hampshire, with annual fees of $85 and $100 respectively. Maine's 7.15% top tax rate compared to New Hampshire's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Maine to New Hampshire?
It depends on your priorities. Maine wins in 9 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Maine and New Hampshire
When deciding between living in Maine or New Hampshire, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.
Maine (ME) has a median household income of $76,442 with a cost of living index of 114.6. New Hampshire (NH) has a median household income of $99,782 with a cost of living index of 110.1. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Maine calculator or New Hampshire calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.