Maryland vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $559/yr more in West Virginia

$47/mo · $21/paycheck more

Maryland
West Virginia

$58,083/yr in Maryland vs $58,641/yr in West 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%

West Virginia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,255.42

$58,641/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,9524%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,64178%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.1%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Maryland is 33% higher than in West Virginia.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,083 in Maryland has the purchasing power of $77,487 in West Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead by $18,846/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$170,000
Maryland
147% more
West Virginia
Avg 2BR rent$1,978/movs$997/mo
Maryland
98% more
West Virginia
Groceries
Index
Maryland
9% more
West Virginia
Transportation
Regular gas$3.50/galvs$3.41/gal
Maryland
3% more
West Virginia
Utilities
Electric bill$133/movs$98/mo
Maryland
36% more
West Virginia
Healthcare
Index
Maryland
12% more
West Virginia
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$18,946/yrvs$9,692/yr
Maryland
95% more
West 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%.

West Virginia: West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

Salary Maryland take-home West Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,033 $40,644 -$611
$75,000 $58,083 $58,641 -$558
$100,000 $74,483 $74,949 -$466
$150,000 $106,531 $107,000 -$468
$200,000 $138,917 $139,576 -$658
$300,000 $199,542 $200,705 -$1,163

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maryland or West Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, West Virginia results in $466 more annual take-home pay. Maryland uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $611/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $469/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $1,164/yr.

Do Maryland and West 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 West Virginia?

West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maryland is 29% higher than in West Virginia. Maryland's Regional Price Parity is 111.5 and West Virginia's is 86.7 (US average = 100).

Is West Virginia cheaper than Maryland?

Yes. West Virginia has a lower cost of living than Maryland (index 86.7 vs 111.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maryland more expensive than West Virginia?

Yes. Maryland has a higher cost of living (index 111.5) compared to West Virginia (index 86.7). 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 $95,788 in West Virginia terms. Conversely, $74,949 in West Virginia equals $58,278 in Maryland terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 25% different between Maryland and West Virginia. Living costs are 12% above the national average Living costs are 13% below the national average — one of the lowest in the US After taxes and cost of living, Maryland gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Maryland Paycheck Estimator · West Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states