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HEAD-TO-HEAD TAX COMPARISON · 2026

COUNTRY A Maryland VS COUNTRY B Virginia

Side-by-side analysis of income tax, effective rates, and take-home pay for Maryland and Virginia in 2026.

Daniel · CountryTaxCalc Updated May 2026 Tax Comparison 2026
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OVERVIEW
Maryland has progressive state income tax rates from 2% to 5.75% PLUS county taxes of 2.25% to 3.2%, while Virginia charges progressive state rates from 2% to 5.75% with no local income tax. Living in Virginia saves $1,700/year on $100k income compared to Maryland. Virginia has lower property taxes (0.80% vs MD's 1.09%). Sales taxes are nearly identical (MD 6% vs VA 5.30%). Overall, Virginia offers better tax advantages for DMV area residents. The MD-VA border is critical for DC area federal employees.
Section 01

The Big Picture

Top-line rates and effective take-home for a typical earner — including income tax, social contributions, and applicable surcharges.

🦀
COUNTRY A
Maryland
TAX RATE
2-5.75%
Progressive + County Tax

State 2-5.75% + County 2.25-3.2%

🏛️
COUNTRY B
Virginia
TAX RATE
2-5.75%
Progressive

4 brackets, up to 5.75%

TYPICAL ANNUAL DIFFERENCE
Moving from Virginia → Maryland at $100,000
$1,700

That's $142/month back in your pocket

Section 02

Tax Savings by Income Level

Net take-home after all income tax, social contributions, and surcharges — for a single employee with no dependents.

GROSS INCOME
🦀 MD TAX
🏛️ VA TAX
SAVINGS
10-YEAR
$50,000
$3,475
$2,875
$600
$6,000
$100,000
$7,450
$5,750
$1,700
$17,000
$200,000
$16,200
$11,500
$4,700
$47,000
$500,000
$43,000
$28,750
$14,250
$142,500
💡

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Moving between Maryland and Virginia? DMV area moves are tricky—MD county tax, partial-year residency, DC locality pay. Get matched with a CPA who understands federal employee tax issues.

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🦀

Maryland Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Better transit: DC Metro extends further into MD (vs VA limited)
  • Better schools: Montgomery County #2 in US, Howard County #5
  • More diverse: MD more multicultural than VA suburbs
  • Stronger economy: Biotech corridor (Rockville, Gaithersburg)
  • Chesapeake Bay: Crab, seafood, beach access (Ocean City)
− CONS
  • Higher income tax: 8.95% combined (state + county) vs VA 5.75% costs $1,700 on $100k
  • Higher property tax: 1.09% (vs VA 0.80%) costs $725-$2,900 more/year
  • Expensive: Montgomery County median $625k (vs Fairfax $650k similar)
  • Traffic: I-270, I-95 congestion worse than VA
  • High cost of living: Overall 12% more expensive than VA
🏛️

Virginia Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Lower income tax: 5.75% state (vs MD 8.95% combined) saves $1,700 on $100k
  • Lower property tax: 0.80% (vs MD 1.09%) saves $725-$2,900/year
  • Tech hub: Tysons, Reston (Amazon HQ2, capital One)
  • Lower cost of living: 12% cheaper than MD overall
  • Business-friendly: Lower regulations than MD
− CONS
  • Higher sales tax: 5.30% (vs MD 6.00%)—actually MD is higher
  • Limited transit: DC Metro less extensive in VA (Arlington/Alexandria only)
  • More conservative: VA politically different from MD progressive
  • Worse schools: Fairfax #24 (vs Montgomery #2, Howard #5)
  • Car inspection: Annual safety inspection required
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I save living in Virginia vs Maryland as a federal employee?

On $100,000 federal salary, Virginia saves $1,700/year in income tax (VA 5.75% vs MD 8.95% combined state + county). VA also has lower property tax (0.80% vs MD 1.09%). On a $500k home, VA pays $4,000/year vs MD $5,450/year—difference of $1,450/year. Total savings: $3,150/year. Over 10 years: $31,500. Many federal employees live in VA and commute to DC via Metro/I-66.

What is Maryland's county income tax?

Maryland has state income tax (2-5.75%) PLUS mandatory county income tax (2.25-3.2%). Montgomery County charges 3.2% county tax, Howard County 3.2%, Prince George's 3.2%. Combined rate in these counties: 8.95% at $100k income. Virginia has NO local income tax—only state 5.75%. This county tax makes MD significantly more expensive for DMV residents.

Is there significant Maryland-Virginia migration in the DMV area?

Yes, bidirectional but net VA gains. In 2023, 12,847 people moved MD → VA (vs 9,472 VA → MD), net gain of 3,375 for Virginia. Migration drivers MD → VA: lower taxes ($3,150/year savings), lower cost of living (12% cheaper), Amazon HQ2 jobs (Arlington). Migration drivers VA → MD: better transit (Metro), better schools (Montgomery County), biotech jobs.

Which state is better for DC area federal employees?

Virginia wins for taxes: $3,150/year savings at $100k, 12% lower cost of living, Amazon HQ2 proximity. Maryland wins for: better Metro access (Silver Spring, Rockville), top schools (Montgomery #2, Howard #5), biotech jobs. Most GS-13+ federal employees choose VA for tax savings. Families with kids choose MD for schools. Security clearance holders cluster in both (Fort Meade MD, Pentagon VA).
From the brief
NL27%new 2027 rate, down from 30%
DK65.4kkr/mo threshold, cut from 78k
MT1940snon-dom regime unchanged since
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