Maryland vs Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $545/yr more in Maryland

$45/mo · $21/paycheck more

Maryland
Virginia

$58,083/yr in Maryland vs $57,538/yr in Virginia.

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%

Virginia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,212.98

$57,538/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,0555%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,53877%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.3%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maryland is 15% higher than in Virginia.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,083 in Maryland has the purchasing power of $66,721 in Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead by $9,184/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$380,000
Maryland
11% more
Virginia
Avg 2BR rent$1,978/movs$1,494/mo
Maryland
32% more
Virginia
Groceries
Index
Maryland
6% more
Virginia
Transportation
Regular gas$3.50/galvs$3.32/gal
Maryland
5% more
Virginia
Utilities
Electric bill$133/movs$94/mo
Maryland
42% more
Virginia
Healthcare
Index
Maryland
Virginia
1% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$18,946/yrvs$14,277/yr
Maryland
33% more
Virginia

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%.

Virginia: Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.

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

Salary Maryland take-home Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,033 $39,738 + $295
$75,000 $58,083 $57,538 + $545
$100,000 $74,483 $73,688 + $795
$150,000 $106,531 $105,424 + $1,108
$200,000 $138,917 $137,685 + $1,233
$300,000 $199,542 $198,184 + $1,358

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maryland or Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, Maryland results in $795 more annual take-home pay. Maryland uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 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 $295/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,108/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $1,358/yr.

Do Maryland and Virginia 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 Virginia?

Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maryland is 8% higher than in Virginia. Maryland's Regional Price Parity is 111.5 and Virginia's is 103.2 (US average = 100).

Is Virginia cheaper than Maryland?

Yes. Virginia has a lower cost of living than Maryland (index 103.2 vs 111.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maryland more expensive than Virginia?

Yes. Maryland has a higher cost of living (index 111.5) compared to Virginia (index 103.2). 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 $80,473 in Virginia terms. Conversely, $73,688 in Virginia equals $68,202 in Maryland terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 8% different between Maryland and Virginia. Living costs are 12% above the national average Living costs are about 3% above 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 Virginia?

Maryland requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Virginia 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 · Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states