Maryland vs Utah Take-Home Pay Showdown
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 The 5.75% versus 4.85% comparison nets approximately $900 annually for $100,000 professionals. Utah stays relevant through outdoor recreation. Migration patterns reflect government workers choosing Utah, skiers selecting Maryland based on total value rather than taxes alone.
Maryland charges 5.75% while Utah sits at 4.85%. For $100,000 earners, that difference translates to approximately $900 per year. It's a meaningful gap, though hardly the only consideration in a state-to-state comparison.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Maryland at 5.75% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $100,000): Utah saves you ~$900
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Maryland | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 2% - 5.75% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,550
Take Home: $38,450
+$390
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,325
Take Home: $57,675
+$585
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,875
Take Home: $96,125
+$975
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| Cost of Living | Maryland costs split dramatically by region. Montgomery and Howard counties near DC command extreme prices - median home values often exceed $500,000, with monthly rent for decent apartments running $2,000-2,500. Baltimore offers better value despite city challenges. Southern Maryland provides moderate costs with convenient DC access. Eastern Shore delivers genuine affordability. Property taxes run high statewide, particularly in counties with strong schools. The cost variation means identical six-figure salaries deliver vastly different lifestyles - Montgomery County requires substantially higher income for comfortable living than Baltimore or Southern Maryland, despite all paying the same state tax rates. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
Pros & Cons
Maryland
✓ Advantages
- Proximity to Washington DC job market
- Strong biotechnology and healthcare sectors
- Excellent education systems
- Access to both cities and beaches
- Diverse economy with government contracting
⚠ Considerations
- High state income tax (up to 5.75%) plus county taxes
- Very high cost of living near DC
- Traffic congestion in metro areas severe
- High property taxes in many counties
- Combined state and local taxes burden significant
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
The numbers favor Utah by approximately $900 yearly for $100,000 earners. That said, Maryland continues attracting residents who value outdoor recreation. Whether that tax difference outweighs Maryland's edge in {factor} comes down to your personal situation and priorities.📢 Share This Comparison
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