Compare Maryland vs Virginia Paychecks
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 The spread between 5.75% and 5.75% means roughly $0 per year at $60,000. Maryland maintains pull through DC proximity. government workers have shown preference for Virginia, though contractors often prioritize Maryland's advantages in housing costs.
Maryland charges 5.75% while Virginia sits at 5.75%. For $60,000 earners, that difference translates to approximately $0 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 Virginia at 5.75%
- **Annual savings** (on $60,000): Virginia saves you ~$0
- **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 | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 2% - 5.75% | 2% - 5.75% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,550
Take Home: $38,450
|
State Tax: $1,550
Take Home: $38,450
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,325
Take Home: $57,675
|
State Tax: $2,325
Take Home: $57,675
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,875
Take Home: $96,125
|
State Tax: $3,875
Take Home: $96,125
|
| 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. | Virginia costs split dramatically. Northern Virginia near DC commands extreme prices - median home values often exceed $600,000-700,000 in desirable areas. Richmond offers substantially better value. Virginia Beach moderate. Southwestern Virginia delivers genuine affordability. Property taxes vary but generally moderate. The cost division means identical salaries deliver vastly different lifestyles depending on location. |
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
Virginia
✓ Advantages
- Moderate state income tax (max 5.75%)
- Strong job market especially in Northern Virginia
- Proximity to Washington DC without DC taxes
- Good quality of life and education systems
- Diverse economy with stable government contracting
⚠ Considerations
- Northern Virginia has very high cost of living
- Traffic congestion severe in DC metro area
- Property taxes can be high in some counties
- Sales tax at 5.3% plus local additions
- Car property tax in most localities
Bottom Line
Bottom line: Virginia saves you about $0 annually at $60,000 on taxes alone. Maryland maintains appeal through DC proximity, attracting people willing to pay more for what it offers. The choice often comes down to {factor} versus direct financial savings.📢 Share This Comparison
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