Side-by-side tax comparison between Louisiana (4.25% top rate, graduated) and Maryland (5.75% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Louisiana uses a graduated income tax (1.85-4.25%) while Maryland has a graduated system (2-5.75% + local). On a $100K salary, Louisiana takes $2,763 in state and local taxes compared to Maryland’s $5,238 \u2014 a difference of $2,475.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Maryland’s top rate of 5.75% is higher than Louisiana’s 4.25%.
Maryland also has local income taxes (estimated at $1,500/year on $100K), which Louisiana does not.
Louisiana wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Louisiana | Maryland | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $33,215 | $32,225 | −$990 | Louisiana |
| $50K | $40,974 | $39,736 | −$1,238 | Louisiana |
| $60K | $48,733 | $47,248 | −$1,485 | Louisiana |
| $75K | $59,466 | $57,609 | −$1,856 | Louisiana |
| $100K | $76,363 | $73,888 | −$2,475 | Louisiana |
| $120K | $89,880 | $86,910 | −$2,970 | Louisiana |
| $150K | $109,607 | $105,895 | −$3,713 | Louisiana |
| $200K | $143,362 | $138,412 | −$4,950 | Louisiana |
| $250K | $176,358 | $170,170 | −$6,188 | Louisiana |
| $300K | $207,041 | $199,616 | −$7,425 | Louisiana |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Louisiana has a cost of living index of 91 while Maryland is at 112 (national average = 100).
This is a substantial difference. After adjusting for cost of living, $100K in Louisiana has purchasing power of $83,915 compared to $65,971 in Maryland. Louisiana wins on both raw take-home and cost-adjusted purchasing power, making it the clear winner for a $100K earner.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $81,948 in Louisiana and $79,473 in Maryland \u2014 a difference of $2,475. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Maryland to Louisiana would save $2,475/year on a $100K salary, or $12,375 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $2,475/year savings is meaningful but probably not enough to justify a move on its own. However, combined with other factors like career growth, lifestyle preferences, or family proximity, it could tip the scale.