Maryland vs North Dakota Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $1,881/yr more in North Dakota

$157/mo · $72/paycheck more

Maryland
North Dakota

$58,083/yr in Maryland vs $59,963/yr in North Dakota.

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%

North Dakota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,306.29

$59,963/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$1,6292%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,96380%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.0%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 2.5%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maryland is 29% higher than in North Dakota.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,083 in Maryland has the purchasing power of $74,851 in North Dakota terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead by $14,888/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$255,000
Maryland
65% more
North Dakota
Avg 2BR rent$1,978/movs$1,060/mo
Maryland
87% more
North Dakota
Groceries
Index
Maryland
9% more
North Dakota
Transportation
Regular gas$3.50/galvs$3.08/gal
Maryland
14% more
North Dakota
Utilities
Electric bill$133/movs$70/mo
Maryland
90% more
North Dakota
Healthcare
Index
Maryland
North Dakota
2% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$18,946/yrvs$12,373/yr
Maryland
53% more
North Dakota

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

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

North Dakota: North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 1.95% to 2.90%.

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

Salary Maryland take-home North Dakota take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,033 $41,351 -$1,318
$75,000 $58,083 $59,963 -$1,881
$100,000 $74,483 $76,926 -$2,443
$150,000 $106,531 $110,287 -$3,756
$200,000 $138,917 $144,173 -$5,256
$300,000 $199,542 $207,627 -$8,085

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maryland or North Dakota?

At a $100,000 salary, North Dakota results in $2,443 more annual take-home pay. Maryland uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%. North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 1.95% to 2.90%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,318/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $3,756/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $8,085/yr.

Do Maryland and North Dakota 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 Maryland or North Dakota?

North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maryland is 22% higher than in North Dakota. Maryland's Regional Price Parity is 111.5 and North Dakota's is 91.6 (US average = 100).

Is North Dakota cheaper than Maryland?

Yes. North Dakota has a lower cost of living than Maryland (index 91.6 vs 111.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maryland more expensive than North Dakota?

Yes. Maryland has a higher cost of living (index 111.5) compared to North Dakota (index 91.6). 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 $74,483 in Maryland has the purchasing power of $90,664 in North Dakota terms. Conversely, $76,926 in North Dakota equals $63,197 in Maryland terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 20% different between Maryland and North Dakota. Living costs are 12% above the national average Living costs are 8% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Maryland gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Maryland and North Dakota?

Maryland requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. North Dakota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Maryland Paycheck Estimator · North Dakota Paycheck Estimator · All states