California to Maryland Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Maryland

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire risk
• Dry climate
• Earthquakes

ProsMaryland

• Affordable housing
• Less crowded roads
• Lower natural disaster risk
• Four distinct seasons
• More stable geography

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Maryland

• Less cultural diversity
• Humid summers
• Limited coastline
• Fewer tech job openings
• Fewer world-class institutions

California

• Vibrant culture
• Mild weather
• Beach access
• Innovative tech industry
• Renowned universities

Pros of moving from California to Maryland

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Maryland with less crowded roads
• Swap the wildfire risk of California for a lower natural disaster risk in Maryland
• Get ready for four distinct seasons in Maryland

Cons of moving from California to Maryland

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant culture in California to live with less cultural diversity in Maryland
• You'll lose out on the pro of mild weather and have to settle for the con of humid summers
• Time to bid farewell to beach access and get used to limited coastline in Maryland
• Swap the innovative tech industry for fewer tech job openings

California vs. Maryland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Maryland, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Blue Crab of Maryland. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Steak and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Maryland residents know they have tasty Crab Cakes and Steamed Crabs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast 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 California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Spago. After the boxes are unpacked in Maryland, don't wait too long before making your way to Maryland's acclaimed eateries like Phillips Seafood, G&M Restaurant and Lounge, and Faidley Seafood.

When comparing lifestyles, Maryland shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Maryland compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Maryland.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Maryland

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maryland.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and outdoor kitchens, Maryland real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront access and historic details.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Maryland is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Maryland is more bike-friendly than California.
• Maryland has less of an urban feel than California.
• Maryland housing costs are 47% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $414,972 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maryland have increased by 33% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Maryland is 31.57% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Maryland

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Maryland. Maryland gets 25% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Maryland has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Maryland.
• The average summer high temperature in Maryland is 2 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maryland. Maryland receives 22 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Maryland

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maryland tend to earn about 4% more than in California
• The COLI in Maryland is 8% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in MD is 2-5.75% compared to 1-13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Maryland is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in Maryland compared to significant in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Maryland

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Maryland

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Maryland, on the other hand, is often described as moderate to Liberal/Democratic
• Maryland's religious environment can be described as diverse and predominantly Christian
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam

Education Guide When Moving from California to Maryland

How Much Do California to Maryland Movers Cost?

Moving 2,816 miles from California to Maryland will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.