Compare states / New Hampshire / to Maine
NH → ME
Moving from New Hampshire to Maine
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
New Hampshire vs Maine using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| New Hampshire | Maine | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 0.0% | 7.15% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 0.00% | 5.50% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 1.93% | 1.24% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | Yes — 1.80% effective | Yes — 2.40% effective |
| Median home value | $516,457 | $415,853 |
| Tax when you title a car | 0.00% | 5.50% |
| State parks | 93 | 48 |
| National parks | 0 | 1 |
| Population density | 159.0/sq mi | 46.0/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 110.1 | 100.1 |
| Demographics | 88.5% White (non-Hispanic) 4.4% Hispanic 1.6% Black 2.9% Asian | 91.8% White (non-Hispanic) 2.1% Hispanic 1.7% Black 1.3% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 60 | 30 |
| Days to title a car | 60 | 30 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from New Hampshire to Maine?
New Hampshire: No tax on wages (interest/dividends being phased out). Maine: Top listed rate 7.15%. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $0 in New Hampshire vs $8,060 in Maine. If you earned in both states this year, see NH tax agency and ME tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from New Hampshire to Maine?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 0.0% vs 7.15%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in Maine
New Maine residents typically have 30 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 5.50%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,618.00 (tax $1,540.00 + title $33.00 + registration $35.00 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in Maine
Title fee + plate + base registration + 5.50% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in Maine
After you become a Maine resident, you typically have 30 days to get a Maine driver license. Bring your New Hampshire license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Maine. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official Maine DMV. New Hampshire plates are not a substitute for Maine registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new Maine residents from New Hampshire
- Get a ME driver license within 30 days. Bring your NH license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Maine (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official Maine DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 30 days. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally.
- Make sure car insurance meets 25/50/25.
- Register to vote. Typical close: 15 days before an election. Maine elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. NH tax agency · ME tax agency.
- Both New Hampshire and Maine are in the nurse compact — a multistate license can follow you. Confirm with the board of nursing if you are changing primary residence.
Biggest differences in moving from New Hampshire to Maine
- Maine taxes wages (top listed 7.15%). New Hampshire does not tax wages.
- New Maine residents typically have 30 days to get a driver license (60 days is the New Hampshire window in this file).
- Maine title-tax rate used here is 5.50%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,618.00 (county extras omitted).
- Title the car in Maine within 30 days. New Hampshire plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
- Effective real-estate property tax: 1.93% in New Hampshire vs 1.24% in Maine.
Common questions
How does sales tax in Maine compare to New Hampshire?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 0.00% in New Hampshire vs 5.50% in Maine. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from New Hampshire to Maine?
New Hampshire does not tax wages; Maine taxes wages (top listed 7.15%). Moving this direction usually means a new or higher state income-tax bill. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $0 in New Hampshire vs $8,060 in Maine. Actual bills depend on income, filing status, local tax, credits, and residency timing. This uses 2026 single-filer brackets after a $4,300 exemption per dependent.
How many state and national parks are in New Hampshire vs Maine?
New Hampshire has 93 state parks and 0 national parks in this file. Maine has 48 state parks and 1 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in Maine compare to New Hampshire?
Population density is 159.0 people per square mile in New Hampshire vs 46.0 in Maine.
How do New Hampshire and Maine compare on demographics?
New Hampshire: 88.5% White (non-Hispanic), 4.4% Hispanic, 1.6% Black, 2.9% Asian. Maine: 91.8% White (non-Hispanic), 2.1% Hispanic, 1.7% Black, 1.3% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to Maine and the reverse route, Maine → New Hampshire.
Your move