Maryland vs Virginia: Take-Home Pay Compared
On a $100,000 salary you take home $71,803 in Maryland and $74,244 in Virginia. That's $2,441 more per year ($203 a month) after moving to Virginia.
| Maryland | Virginia | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| Social Security + Medicare | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| State income tax | $4,386 | $4,936 | $550 |
| State payroll & local tax | $2,990 | $0 | -$2,990 |
| Take-home pay / year | $71,803 | $74,244 | $2,441 |
| Take-home / month | $5,984 | $6,187 | $203 |
| Total tax rate | 28.2% | 25.8% | -2.4% |
To match your Maryland take-home pay, you would need about $96,200 in Virginia.
Maryland vs Virginia at every salary
Single filer, 2026 tax year, no pre-tax deductions. Difference is Virginia minus Maryland.
| Salary | Maryland | Virginia | Yearly difference | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $31,713 | $32,834 | $1,121 | $93 |
| $50,000 | $38,953 | $40,294 | $1,341 | $112 |
| $60,000 | $46,193 | $47,754 | $1,561 | $130 |
| $75,000 | $56,203 | $58,094 | $1,891 | $158 |
| $100,000 | $71,803 | $74,244 | $2,441 | $203 |
| $125,000 | $87,162 | $90,330 | $3,168 | $264 |
| $150,000 | $102,082 | $105,980 | $3,898 | $325 |
| $200,000 | $132,808 | $138,241 | $5,433 | $453 |
| $250,000 | $162,713 | $169,621 | $6,908 | $576 |
Why the difference?
Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are identical in both states, so the gap comes entirely from state-level taxes. Maryland has income tax rates from 2.00% to 6.50%, while Virginia has income tax rates from 2.00% to 5.75%. Local income tax is included for Maryland.
Income tax is only part of the picture: states without an income tax often rely more on sales and property taxes, and housing costs vary far more than taxes do. Use this comparison for your paycheck, then weigh it against rent or mortgage costs in the cities you are considering.
Commuting across the line instead of moving? Read how taxes work when you live in one state and work in another. See the full breakdowns in the Maryland paycheck calculator and the Virginia paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Virginia cheaper than Maryland for taxes?
For wage earners, Virginia takes less of your paycheck. On a $100,000 salary a single filer keeps $2,441 more per year in Virginia than in Maryland ($203 per month). Maryland has income tax rates from 2.00% to 6.50%; Virginia has income tax rates from 2.00% to 5.75%.
How much is $100,000 in Maryland worth in Virginia?
To take home the same $71,803 you net on $100,000 in Maryland, you would need a salary of about $96,200 in Virginia.
How much will I save moving from Maryland to Virginia?
In income and payroll taxes, about $1,891 per year at $75,000, $2,441 at $100,000, and $3,898 at $150,000 (negative numbers mean you pay more in Virginia). Sales, property, and housing costs are not included.