Alabama to Maryland Moving Guide
Updated June 16, 2025

Planning a 867 mile interstate move from Alabama to Maryland? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs Maryland across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs milder climate), food & health (like Barbecue vs Crab), real estate & housing (antebellum, craftsman vs colonial, contemporary), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maryland), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Barbecue and Pulled pork, but get your taste buds ready for Crab & Crab cakes
- Maryland housing costs are 84% more expensive than they are in Alabama
- Rent in Maryland is 26.56% more expensive than in Alabama
- Moving from Alabama to Maryland will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Alabama to Maryland movers is AT Movers
Alabama to Maryland Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Maryland
- High humidity
- Limited public transport
- Less diverse job market
- Fewer cultural events
- Milder climate
- Extensive transit systems
- Thriving job opportunities
- Rich cultural scene
- Higher living expenses
- More reserved interactions
- Chilly winters
- More transient nature
- Lower cost of living
- Southern hospitality
- Warm winters
- Close-knit communities
Pros of moving from Alabama to Maryland
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to Maryland with extensive transit systems
- Swap the less diverse job market of Alabama for thriving job opportunities in Maryland
- Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Maryland
Cons of moving from Alabama to Maryland
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Alabama to live with higher living expenses in Maryland
- You'll lose out on the pro of southern hospitality and have to settle for the con of more reserved interactions
- Time to bid farewell to warm winters and get used to chilly winters in Maryland
- Swap close-knit communities for a more transient nature
Alabama vs. Maryland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Alabama | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Barbecue | Crab |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled pork | Crab cakes |
Most popular street food item | Gourmet hotdogs | Soft shell crab sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Okra stew | Vegetable crab soup |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Alabama to Maryland, you will be trading the iconic barbecue of Alabama for the equally delicious crab of Maryland. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful pulled pork and sumptuous gourmet hotdogs, Maryland residents know they have tasty crab cakes and soft shell crab sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the okra stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the vegetable crab soup of Maryland. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Dreamland Bar-B-Que, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q. After the boxes are unpacked in Maryland, don't wait too long before making your way to Maryland's acclaimed eateries like Phillips Seafood, Charm City Cakes, and Bertha's Mussels.
When comparing lifestyles, Maryland shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Maryland, compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Maryland.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Maryland
Comparison | Alabama | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum, Craftsman | Colonial, Contemporary |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, privacy | Proximity to amenities, upgrade features |
- The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Contemporary architecture typical of Maryland.
- Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, Maryland real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and upgraded features.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Maryland is more walkable than Alabama.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Maryland is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
- Maryland has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
- Maryland housing costs are 84% more expensive than they are in Alabama with a median home price of $414,972 compared to Alabamaβs $226,045.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maryland have increased by 33% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
- Rent in Maryland is 26.56% more expensive than in Alabama.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Maryland
Comparison | Alabama | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, Nor'easters |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 72Β°F | 87Β°F / 66Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 57Β°F / 36Β°F | 42Β°F / 29Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 58 | 44 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1 | 20 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to Maryland. Maryland gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
- Maryland has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and nor'easters in Maryland.
- The average summer high temperature in Maryland is 3 degrees colder than in Alabama.
- The average winter lows in Maryland are 7 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Maryland. Maryland receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Maryland
Comparison | Alabama | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,674 | $94,991 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 124.95 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 5.75% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.40% | 1.10% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.22% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Aerospace | Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Significant | Low |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maryland tend to earn about 59% more than in Alabama
- The COLI in Maryland is 37% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
- The state income tax in MD is 5.75% compared to 5% in AL
- The affluence in Maryland is high compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
- The poverty level is low in Maryland compared to significant poverty in Alabama
- In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Alabama and moderate in Maryland
Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Maryland
Comparison | Alabama | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative | Liberal |
Local Politics | Typically Republican | Primarily Democratic |
Religion | Protestant Majority | Diverse, but Catholic plurality |
- Alabama tends to lean conservative in its political climate
- Maryland, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
- Maryland's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a Catholic plurality
- Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant majority
Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Maryland
Comparison | Alabama | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Alabama Auburn University University of South Alabama | University of Maryland Johns Hopkins University Towson University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Mountain Brook Elementary (Mountain Brook) Rocky Ridge Elementary (Hoover) Crestline Elementary (Mountain Brook) | Fulton Elementary (Fulton) Bannockburn Elementary (Bethesda) Bradley Hills Elementary (Bethesda) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Mountain Brook Junior High (Mountain Brook) Berry Middle (Hoover) Liberty Park Middle (Vestavia Hills) | Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda) Herbert Hoover Middle (Potomac) Cabin John Middle School (Potomac) |
Top 3 High Schools | Mountain Brook High (Mountain Brook) Vestavia Hills High (Vestavia Hills) Homewood High (Homewood) | Walt Whitman High (Bethesda) Winston Churchill High (Potomac) Thomas S. Wootton High (Rockville) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) Randolph School (Huntsville) | Gilman School (Baltimore) The Holton-Arms School (Bethesda) Landon School (Bethesda) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Donoho School (Anniston) Tuscaloosa Academy (Tuscaloosa) Lee-Scott Academy (Auburn) | Sidwell Friends School (Washington D.C.) Georgetown Preparatory School (North Bethesda) Friends School of Baltimore (Baltimore) |
Top 3 School Districts | Mountain Brook City Schools Homewood City Schools Hoover City Schools | Montgomery County Public Schools Howard County Public School System Anne Arundel County Public Schools |
How Much Do Alabama to Maryland Movers Cost?
Moving 867 miles from Alabama to Maryland will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-14 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: AT Movers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,694 | 300 ft3 | $5.65 |
1 Bedroom | $2,519 | 450 ft3 | $5.60 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,160 | 750 ft3 | $5.55 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,046 | 1100 ft3 | $5.50 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,715 | 1600 ft3 | $5.45 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,714 | 1800 ft3 | $5.40 |
Top Alabama to Maryland Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to Maryland movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.