State vs state · 2026
Massachusetts vs New Hampshire: take-home pay compared (2026)
New Hampshire wins on take-home pay. A single worker earning $100,000 keeps $4,780 more per year in New Hampshire ($74,400 in Massachusetts vs $79,180 in New Hampshire). The difference comes almost entirely from state income tax, because federal tax and FICA are the same everywhere.
Take-home pay at every salary level
Single filer, standard deduction, 2026 rates. Local city or county income taxes are not included.
| Salary | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Difference / yr | Better in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,540 | $34,320 | $1,780 | New Hampshire |
| $60,000 | $47,610 | $50,390 | $2,780 | New Hampshire |
| $75,000 | $58,063 | $61,593 | $3,530 | New Hampshire |
| $100,000 | $74,400 | $79,180 | $4,780 | New Hampshire |
| $150,000 | $106,511 | $113,791 | $7,280 | New Hampshire |
| $200,000 | $139,147 | $148,927 | $9,780 | New Hampshire |
| $300,000 | $200,397 | $215,177 | $14,780 | New Hampshire |
How each state taxes income
| Feature | Massachusetts | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Graduated | No income tax |
| Top rate | 9.00% | 0.00% |
| Number of brackets | 2 | 0 |
| Deductions | a personal exemption of $4,400 / $8,800 | no standard deduction or personal exemption |
| Local income tax | Generally no | Generally no |
The verdict
If you are deciding between Massachusetts and New Hampshire purely on paycheck taxes, New Hampshire comes out ahead at every salary from $100,000 up, by $4,780 a year. Before moving, compare rent or home prices, property tax, sales tax and car insurance, which often matter as much as income tax for middle incomes.
Run your exact salary in the Massachusetts paycheck calculator or the New Hampshire paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Massachusetts or New Hampshire better for take-home pay?
New Hampshire leaves you more money. On a $100,000 salary you keep $4,780 more per year ($398 a month) in New Hampshire, based on 2026 state income tax for a single filer.
How much more tax do you pay in Massachusetts than New Hampshire?
Massachusetts has a graduated income tax with 2 brackets, from 5% up to 9% for single filers. New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages, so only federal income tax and FICA come out of your paycheck. The gap widens as income rises: at $200,000 it is $9,780 a year.
Does this include property and sales tax?
No. This comparison covers taxes withheld from pay: federal income tax, FICA and state income tax. Sales, property and local taxes can narrow or widen the gap, so factor in housing costs before moving.
Disclaimer: These are estimates based on published tax rates for a single employee with standard deductions and no other income. Your actual pay depends on your tax code, benefits, credits and local taxes. This site is for information only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Check with your tax authority or a qualified professional before making decisions.