Maryland vs Montana Taxes
Compare the total tax burden between Maryland (2% – 6.5%) and Montana (4.7% – 5.65%). Enter your income to see which state saves you more.
| Tax Component | Maryland | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 |
| State Tax | $4,386 | $4,289 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| Total Tax | $25,206 | $25,109 |
| Take-Home | $74,794 | $74,891 |
| Effective Rate | 25.21% | 25.11% |
| Annual Difference | $97 more | $97 less |
The $97 difference is primarily because Maryland has a progressive income tax with rates up to 6.5%, while Montana has a progressive income tax with rates up to 5.9%. At your income level, Maryland's marginal rate is 4.8% vs Montana's 5.7%.
Why the difference
You'd save $97/year ($8/month) in Montana vs Maryland.
Tax structure
Maryland uses progressive brackets up to 6.5%, while Montana uses progressive brackets up to 5.9%.
Tip: In a progressive-bracket state, pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your state tax bill along with federal tax. If you are near a bracket boundary, an additional contribution can drop you into a lower state bracket.
Tip: In a progressive-bracket state, pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your state tax bill along with federal tax. If you are near a bracket boundary, an additional contribution can drop you into a lower state bracket.
Maryland Total Tax
$25,20625.21% effective rate
Montana Total Tax
$25,10925.11% effective rate
Annual Savings
$97by living in Montana
Tax at Different Income Levels
| Income | Maryland Total Tax | Montana Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $16,606 | $16,284 | Save $322 |
| $100,000 | $25,206 | $25,109 | Save $97 |
| $150,000 | $43,251 | $43,323 | +$72 |
| $200,000 | $60,899 | $61,012 | +$113 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd save $97/year ($8/month) in Montana vs Maryland.
Tax structure
Maryland uses progressive brackets up to 6.5%, while Montana uses progressive brackets up to 5.9%.
Tip: In a progressive-bracket state, pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your state tax bill along with federal tax. If you are near a bracket boundary, an additional contribution can drop you into a lower state bracket.
Tip: In a progressive-bracket state, pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your state tax bill along with federal tax. If you are near a bracket boundary, an additional contribution can drop you into a lower state bracket.
Understanding Each State
Maryland
This state uses a progressive income tax system with multiple brackets, similar to the federal system. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate, so your effective state rate is lower than the top bracket. Tax planning strategies include maximizing pre-tax retirement contributions to reduce state-taxable income.
Tip: In a progressive-bracket state, pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your state tax bill along with federal tax. If you are near a bracket boundary, an additional contribution can drop you into a lower state bracket.
Montana
This state uses a progressive income tax system with multiple brackets, similar to the federal system. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate, so your effective state rate is lower than the top bracket. Tax planning strategies include maximizing pre-tax retirement contributions to reduce state-taxable income.
Tip: In a progressive-bracket state, pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your state tax bill along with federal tax. If you are near a bracket boundary, an additional contribution can drop you into a lower state bracket.
Key Comparison Points
Income tax structure: Maryland has a progressive income tax (2% – 6.5%), while Montana has a progressive income tax (4.7% – 5.65%).
Beyond income tax: State tax comparisons should also consider property tax rates, sales tax, and cost of living. A state with no income tax may have higher property or sales taxes that offset the savings.
SALT deduction cap: Under OBBBA, the 2026 federal SALT cap is $40,400, phasing out above $505,000 MAGI toward a $10,000 floor. This limits the federal tax benefit of living in a high-tax state, so the gross state tax difference remains close to the net difference for most earners — especially high earners inside the phaseout.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Montana?
Based on income tax alone, Montana has a lower tax burden. At $100K income, you'd save $97 annually in Montana compared to Maryland. However, total cost of living also depends on property taxes, sales taxes, and housing costs.
How much would I save moving from Maryland to Montana?
A single filer earning $100,000 would save approximately $97 per year in total taxes by living in Montana instead of Maryland. At $150,000 income, the savings change to $72 per year.
What is the income tax rate in Maryland?
Maryland has a progressive income tax with rates of 2% – 6.5%.
What is the income tax rate in Montana?
Montana has a progressive income tax with rates of 4.7% – 5.65%.