The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Lewiston, ME

This analysis treats a $100,000 salary as raw data, not a lifestyle promise. Lewiston offers low housing costs, but taxes are the price of admission for specific regional services. We focus on what reaches your bank account.

1. The Verification Test

This is the reality check. We strip the gross salary down to the net paycheck. Taxes are non-negotiable.

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Est.): ~$14,000 (Based on single filer standard deduction + progressive brackets).
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): $7,650 (Fixed at 7.65%).
• Maine State Income Tax: ~$5,200 (Maine has a progressive structure; effective rate often lands between 5.5% and 6.5% for this income level).
• Total Annual Tax Burden: ~$26,850
• Estimated Annual Net Pay: ~$73,150
• Estimated Monthly Net Pay: ~$6,096

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

We apply the net pay ($6,096/month) to the standard rule. Lewiston's low rent is the primary financial advantage here.

• Needs (50% - $3,048)

  • Rent (1BR): $877
  • Utilities (Electric/Heat/Internet): $250 - $350 (Heating costs are significant in winter).
  • Groceries: $400 - $500
  • Car/Health Insurance: $300 - $500
  • Result: You have significant surplus here compared to national averages.

• Wants (30% - $1,829)

  • Dining, entertainment, hobbies.
  • Note: This is a large discretionary pool for a city of this size.

• Savings/Debt (20% - $1,219)

  • Retirement contributions, student loans, emergency fund.
  • Note: This is a solid savings rate, assuming no massive debt load.

3. Lewiston Tax Context

Maine is not a tax haven. It relies heavily on income and property taxes compared to low-tax states.

• Vs. Texas/Florida: In a no-income-tax state, your net pay would be roughly $4,400/month higher (approx $5,400 less in state tax). You are paying a "premium" to live in Maine.
• Vs. California/NY: Maine's top marginal rate is lower than NY or CA, but high property taxes can narrow the gap.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It provides significant comfort in Lewiston. You will face less financial stress than in a major metro. However, do not confuse "comfortable locally" with "wealth building." The tax drag is real.

"Local income tax?"
No. Lewiston does not levy a municipal income tax. Your tax burden is limited to Federal + State.

"Buying power?"
High. $100k in Lewiston retains more purchasing power than $100k in Boston or NYC primarily due to the $877 rent baseline.