Massachusetts vs Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $305/yr more in Massachusetts

$25/mo · $12/paycheck more

Massachusetts
Virginia

$57,843/yr in Massachusetts vs $57,538/yr in Virginia.

Massachusetts

Take-home per paycheck

$2,224.71

$57,843/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7505%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,84377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

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 Massachusetts is 45% higher than in Virginia.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,843 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $84,047 in Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $26,510/yr.

Housing
Median home$620,000vs$380,000
Massachusetts
63% more
Virginia
Avg 2BR rent$3,094/movs$1,494/mo
Massachusetts
107% more
Virginia
Groceries
Index
Massachusetts
3% more
Virginia
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.32/gal
Massachusetts
3% more
Virginia
Utilities
Electric bill$212/movs$94/mo
Massachusetts
125% more
Virginia
Healthcare
Index
Massachusetts
25% more
Virginia
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$26,709/yrvs$14,277/yr
Massachusetts
87% 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

Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

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 Massachusetts take-home Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,855 $39,738 + $118
$75,000 $57,843 $57,538 + $305
$100,000 $74,180 $73,688 + $493
$150,000 $106,291 $105,424 + $868
$200,000 $138,927 $137,685 + $1,243
$300,000 $200,177 $198,184 + $1,993

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, Massachusetts results in $493 more annual take-home pay. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $118/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $868/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $1,993/yr.

Do Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts or Virginia?

Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Massachusetts is 7% higher than in Virginia. Massachusetts's Regional Price Parity is 110.8 and Virginia's is 103.2 (US average = 100).

Is Virginia cheaper than Massachusetts?

Yes. Virginia has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 103.2 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Massachusetts more expensive than Virginia?

Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) 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 $74,180 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $79,643 in Virginia terms. Conversely, $73,688 in Virginia equals $68,633 in Massachusetts terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 8% different between Massachusetts and Virginia. Living costs are 11% above the national average Living costs are about 3% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Massachusetts and Virginia?

Massachusetts 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

Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states