Maine
High tax burden · COL index 107
Wins 8 categories
Massachusetts
High tax burden · COL index 148
Wins 4 categories
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9% vs Maine's 7.15%. Cost of living in Massachusetts (index 148) runs 38% higher than Maine (index 107). The median home in Massachusetts costs $580K vs $360K in Maine.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
8
Maine
4
Massachusetts
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Is it better to live in Maine or Massachusetts?
Maine has lower property taxes and no sales tax on groceries, but it does have higher property taxes compared to Massachusetts, particularly in coastal and vacation areas. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities may cost more than Massachusetts, but the overall affordability of living in Maine is a significant draw.
Is Maine more Republican or Democrat?
The state of Maine has also legalized same-sex marriage (first in 2009 before a rollback later that year, then again in 2012). At the national level, Maine is generally a Democratic Party state, although its Senate seats are often held by Republicans.
Are more people moving to Maine or leaving?
Maine ranked highest in New England and seventh nationally in net migration last year. International migration slowed in Maine in 2025 and across much of the United States. But domestic migration made up for the decline, with about 7,400 people moving to Maine from other states last year.
What's the prettiest town in Maine?