Illinois vs Maryland Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $203/yr more in Maryland

$17/mo · $8/paycheck more

Illinois
Maryland

$57,880/yr in Illinois vs $58,083/yr in Maryland.

Illinois

Take-home per paycheck

$2,226.15

$57,880/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7135%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,88077%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

Maryland

Take-home per paycheck

$2,233.94

$58,083/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,5105%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,08377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Illinois is 19% lower than in Maryland.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,880 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $46,836 in Maryland terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead by $11,247/yr.

Housing
Median home$260,000vs$420,000
Illinois
Maryland
62% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,180/movs$1,978/mo
Illinois
Maryland
68% more
Groceries
Index
Illinois
Maryland
6% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.60/galvs$3.50/gal
Illinois
3% more
Maryland
Utilities
Electric bill$108/movs$133/mo
Illinois
Maryland
23% more
Healthcare
Index
Illinois
Maryland
2% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$16,107/yrvs$18,946/yr
Illinois
Maryland
18% more

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Illinois: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

Maryland: Maryland uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Illinois take-home Maryland take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,880 $40,033 -$152
$75,000 $57,880 $58,083 -$202
$100,000 $74,230 $74,483 -$252
$150,000 $106,366 $106,531 -$165
$200,000 $139,027 $138,917 + $110
$300,000 $200,327 $199,542 + $785

Positive values mean higher take-home in Illinois. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Illinois or Maryland?

At a $100,000 salary, Maryland results in $253 more annual take-home pay. Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Maryland uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.

How much more do you take home in Maryland vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $153/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $165/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $785/yr.

Do Illinois and Maryland have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Maryland?

Illinois is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Illinois is 13% lower than in Maryland. Illinois's Regional Price Parity is 97.1 and Maryland's is 111.5 (US average = 100).

Is Illinois cheaper than Maryland?

Yes. Illinois has a lower cost of living than Maryland (index 97.1 vs 111.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maryland more expensive than Illinois?

Yes. Maryland has a higher cost of living (index 111.5) compared to Illinois (index 97.1). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $74,230 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $64,643 in Maryland terms. Conversely, $74,483 in Maryland equals $85,528 in Illinois terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead.

Illinois vs Maryland cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 14% different between Illinois and Maryland. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are 12% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Maryland gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Illinois Paycheck Estimator · Maryland Paycheck Estimator · All states