Tax Comparison: Ames, IA vs Westminster, MD
Understanding Your Tax Burden
This page compares the three main types of taxes between Ames, IA and Westminster, MD: property tax, income tax, and sales tax. Each of these has a different impact on your overall cost of living.
Property Tax Comparison
Property taxes are collected by local governments and used to fund schools, infrastructure, and other local services. They're typically based on the assessed value of your property.
Our property tax estimates are based on:
- U.S. median home value: $419,200 (2023 data)
- Local effective tax rates for both cities
Ames, IA
$6,171
Based on a $419,200 home
Rate: 1.4721%
Westminster, MD
$3,958
Based on a $419,200 home
Rate: 0.9441%
| Data | Ames, IA | Westminster, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Property Tax Rate | 1.4721% | 0.9441% |
| Estimated Property Tax | $6,171 | $3,958 |
| Home Value Used | $419,200 | $419,200 |
Comparison: Property taxes in Westminster, MD are $2,213 lower than in Ames, IA for the same home value.
State Income Tax Comparison
Income tax rates and brackets vary by state, impacting residents' overall tax burden. The estimates below are based on standard deductions and typical filing scenarios.
Our income tax estimates consider:
- Single filer: $100,000 annual income
- Married couple: $200,000 combined income
- Median income: $80,600 annual income
IA
4.4%-5.7%
Single: $3,800
Married: $6,840
MD
2%-5.75%
Single: $4,581
Married: $8,246
| Data | IA | MD |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Rate | 4.4%-5.7% | 2%-5.75% |
| Single Filer ($100k) | $3,800 | $4,581 |
| Married Couple ($200k) | $6,840 | $8,246 |
| Median Income ($80.6k) | $3,061 | $3,829 |
Comparison: Income taxes in IA are $768 lower than in MD for the median household income.
Sales Tax Comparison
Sales tax rates vary by location and can have a significant impact on your day-to-day expenses. These include state, county, city, and special district taxes that together form the total sales tax rate.
Our sales tax estimates consider:
- Average household taxable spending: $15,500 per year
- Combined state and local rates for both cities
Ames, IA
8.000%
Combined rate
Annual sales tax: $1240
(Based on $15,500 spending)
Westminster, MD
6.000%
Combined rate
Annual sales tax: $930
(Based on $15,500 spending)
| Data | Ames, IA | Westminster, MD |
|---|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.00% | 6.00% |
| Combined Sales Tax | 8.000% | 6.000% |
| Annual Tax Amount | $1,240 | $930 |
Comparison: Shopping in Westminster, MD costs $310 less in annual sales tax than in Ames, IA for the average household.
Tax Comparison Insights
Tax Insights: Ames vs Westminster
- Property Tax: Westminster has a 0.5280 percentage points lower effective property tax rate than Ames.
- Income Tax: Living in IA could save you approximately $768 in state income taxes for a median household income.
- Sales Tax: The combined sales tax rate in Westminster is 2.00 percentage points lower than in Ames.
Overall Tax Burden Comparison
Ames, IA
$10,472
Combined annual tax burden
Property
$6,171
Income
$3,061
Sales
$1,240
Westminster, MD
$8,716
Combined annual tax burden
Property
$3,958
Income
$3,829
Sales
$930
Overall Comparison: Westminster, MD has an estimated $1,756 lower total tax burden than Ames, IA based on our standard scenarios.
Important Tax Disclaimer
The tax information provided above is based on publicly available data and standard assumptions. Actual tax situations will vary based on:
- Individual financial circumstances
- Applicable deductions and credits
- Recent changes in tax laws
- Personal spending habits
- Local variations within cities and counties
This comparison is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. For specific guidance regarding your tax situation, please consult with a qualified tax professional.