Maryland vs. District of Columbia
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $230 more a year in Maryland. Prices are 5% higher in District of Columbia, so after adjusting for cost of living Maryland comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| Maryland | District of Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a graduated income tax with 10 brackets, from 2% up to 6.5% on taxable income over $1,000,000 for single filers. | Has a graduated income tax with 7 brackets, from 4% up to 10.75% on taxable income over $1,000,000 for single filers. |
| Minimum wage | $15.00 | $18.40 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 105.0 | 109.9 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $4,533 | $4,868 |
| SUTA wage base | $8,500 | $9,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | Maryland take-home | District of Columbia take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,344 | $40,521 | $177 more in District of Columbia |
| $75,000 | $58,394 | $58,164 | $230 more in Maryland |
| $100,000 | $74,794 | $73,649 | $1,145 more in Maryland |
| $150,000 | $106,875 | $104,010 | $2,865 more in Maryland |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $58,394 in Maryland buys what $55,635 buys in an average-priced state, and $58,164 in District of Columbia buys what $52,924 does. To keep the same buying power moving from Maryland to District of Columbia, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $78,531 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Maryland or District of Columbia better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $230 more a year in Maryland. Adjusted for prices, Maryland comes out ahead by $2,711.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, Maryland or District of Columbia?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $4,533 in Maryland and $4,868 in District of Columbia.