Maryland vs Washington Taxes: Take-Home Pay Compared (2026)
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $3,351 more a year in Washington than in Maryland ($279 a month).
Maryland
2% - 6.5% state income tax
$58,241
take-home on $75,000 · $4,853/month
38th of 51 states for take-home pay
Maryland paycheck calculator ›Washington
No state income tax on wages
$61,592
take-home on $75,000 · $5,133/month
1st of 51 states for take-home pay
Washington paycheck calculator ›Take-home pay in Maryland and Washington by salary
| Salary | Maryland | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,632 | $34,320 | $1,688 more in Washington |
| $50,000 | $40,192 | $42,355 | $2,163 more in Washington |
| $60,000 | $47,752 | $50,390 | $2,638 more in Washington |
| $75,000 | $58,241 | $61,592 | $3,351 more in Washington |
| $100,000 | $74,642 | $79,180 | $4,538 more in Washington |
| $125,000 | $90,923 | $96,703 | $5,780 more in Washington |
| $150,000 | $106,707 | $113,791 | $7,084 more in Washington |
| $200,000 | $139,101 | $148,927 | $9,826 more in Washington |
Single filer, standard deduction, no local tax. To match $75,000 in Maryland you would need about $70,250 in Washington; to match $75,000 in Washington you would need about $80,100 in Maryland.
How Maryland and Washington tax wages
| 2026 | Maryland | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | 10 brackets from 2% to 6.5% | no income tax on wages (Washington taxes only certain capital gains) |
| Top rate | 6.5% | 0% |
| Standard deduction | $3,350 single | Not applicable |
| State tax on $75k | $3,351 (4.5%) | $0 (0.0%) |
| Local wage taxes | Yes (6 modeled) | No |
| Reciprocity | District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia | None |
| 2026 change | Maryland added 6.25% and 6.5% brackets for high earners, effective for 2025 and later years. | No rate change |
Maryland vs Washington: FAQ
Does Maryland or Washington have lower income taxes in 2026?
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $3,351 more a year in Washington than in Maryland ($279 a month). Maryland has 10 brackets from 2% to 6.5% for 2026. For single filers the top 6.5% rate starts at $1,000,000 of taxable income. Washington has no income tax on wages (Washington taxes only certain capital gains).
What salary in Washington equals $75,000 in Maryland?
To take home the same $58,241 that $75,000 leaves in Maryland, you would need about $70,250 in Washington, based on income, payroll, and state taxes only. Housing and other living costs are not included.
How much more do high earners keep in Washington than in Maryland?
At $150,000 the gap is $7,084 a year: $106,707 in Maryland versus $113,791 in Washington. Progressive brackets make the difference grow faster as income rises.
Do local taxes change the Maryland vs Washington comparison?
Maryland has local wage taxes in places like Baltimore (3.2% (County)), Columbia (3.2% (Howard County)), Frederick (2.96% / 2.25% (Frederick County)). Those are on top of the statewide figures above, so check the city calculators if you live or work in one of them.
