Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Maryland to Virginia
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.
Progressive + County Tax
State 2-5.75% + County 2.25-3.2%
Progressive
4 brackets, up to 5.75%
At $100,000 income:
That is $142/month back in your pocket!
| 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.
⚠ Not for simple single-state returns. Free filing is fine for straightforward W-2 situations.
Get Matched With a CPA →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.
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.
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.
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).