Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $3,875 more a year in New Hampshire. Prices are 2% higher in Massachusetts, so after adjusting for cost of living New Hampshire comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| Massachusetts | New Hampshire | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a flat income tax of 5% on taxable income. | Does not tax wages, so there is no state income tax withheld from paychecks. |
| Minimum wage | $15.00 | $7.25 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 105.8 | 104.2 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $4,933 | $4,715 |
| SUTA wage base | $15,000 | $14,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | Massachusetts take-home | New Hampshire take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,845 | $42,355 | $2,510 more in New Hampshire |
| $75,000 | $57,718 | $61,593 | $3,875 more in New Hampshire |
| $100,000 | $73,940 | $79,180 | $5,240 more in New Hampshire |
| $150,000 | $105,821 | $113,791 | $7,970 more in New Hampshire |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $57,718 in Massachusetts buys what $54,576 buys in an average-priced state, and $61,593 in New Hampshire buys what $59,130 does. To keep the same buying power moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $73,871 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Massachusetts or New Hampshire better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $3,875 more a year in New Hampshire. Adjusted for prices, New Hampshire comes out ahead by $4,554.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $4,933 in Massachusetts and $4,715 in New Hampshire.