Side-by-side tax comparison between Maryland (5.75% top rate, graduated) and Virginia (5.75% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Maryland uses a graduated income tax (2-5.75% + local) while Virginia has a graduated system (2-5.75%). On a $100K salary, Maryland takes $3,738 in state and local taxes compared to Virginia’s $3,738 \u2014 a difference of $0.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Virginia’s top rate of 5.75% is higher than Maryland’s 5.75%.
Maryland also has local income taxes (estimated at $0/year on $100K), which Virginia does not. This widens the gap beyond just state rates.
Maryland wins at 0 out of 10 salary levels tested. The states are evenly matched.
| Salary | Maryland | Virginia | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,825 | $32,825 | $0 | Tie |
| $50K | $40,486 | $40,486 | $0 | Tie |
| $60K | $48,148 | $48,148 | $0 | Tie |
| $75K | $58,734 | $58,734 | $0 | Tie |
| $100K | $75,388 | $75,388 | $0 | Tie |
| $120K | $88,710 | $88,710 | $0 | Tie |
| $150K | $108,145 | $108,145 | $0 | Tie |
| $200K | $141,412 | $141,412 | $0 | Tie |
| $250K | $173,920 | $173,920 | $0 | Tie |
| $300K | $204,116 | $204,116 | $0 | Tie |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Maryland has a cost of living index of 112 while Virginia is at 103 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $67,310 in Maryland vs $73,192 in Virginia. However, Virginia actually provides better purchasing power despite Maryland’s take-home advantage.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,973 in Maryland and $80,973 in Virginia \u2014 a difference of $0. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Virginia to Maryland would save $0/year on a $100K salary, or $0 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $0/year, the tax difference alone likely isn’t worth relocating for. Other factors — job market, lifestyle, family — should drive the decision. The tax savings are a nice bonus if you’re already considering the move for other reasons.