Maryland vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $3,510/yr more in Tennessee

$293/mo · $135/paycheck more

Maryland
Tennessee

$58,083/yr in Maryland vs $61,593/yr in Tennessee.

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%

Tennessee

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maryland is 30% higher than in Tennessee.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,083 in Maryland has the purchasing power of $75,681 in Tennessee terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead by $14,089/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$310,000
Maryland
35% more
Tennessee
Avg 2BR rent$1,978/movs$1,154/mo
Maryland
71% more
Tennessee
Groceries
Index
Maryland
9% more
Tennessee
Transportation
Regular gas$3.50/galvs$3.14/gal
Maryland
11% more
Tennessee
Utilities
Electric bill$133/movs$97/mo
Maryland
38% more
Tennessee
Healthcare
Index
Maryland
23% more
Tennessee
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$18,946/yrvs$12,249/yr
Maryland
55% more
Tennessee

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%.

Tennessee: Tennessee has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

Salary Maryland take-home Tennessee take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,033 $42,355 -$2,322
$75,000 $58,083 $61,593 -$3,510
$100,000 $74,483 $79,180 -$4,697
$150,000 $106,531 $113,791 -$7,260
$200,000 $138,917 $148,927 -$10,010
$300,000 $199,542 $215,177 -$15,635

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maryland or Tennessee?

At a $100,000 salary, Tennessee results in $4,698 more annual take-home pay. Maryland uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%. Tennessee has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $2,323/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $7,260/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $15,635/yr.

Do Maryland and Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maryland is 23% higher than in Tennessee. Maryland's Regional Price Parity is 111.5 and Tennessee's is 90.7 (US average = 100).

Is Tennessee cheaper than Maryland?

Yes. Tennessee has a lower cost of living than Maryland (index 90.7 vs 111.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maryland more expensive than Tennessee?

Yes. Maryland has a higher cost of living (index 111.5) compared to Tennessee (index 90.7). 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 $91,563 in Tennessee terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Tennessee equals $64,409 in Maryland terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 21% different between Maryland and Tennessee. Living costs are 12% above the national average Living costs are 9% 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 Tennessee?

Maryland requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Tennessee has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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 · Tennessee Paycheck Estimator · All states