Massachusetts to Maryland Moving Guide
Updated June 9, 2025

Planning a 408 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to Maryland? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs Maryland across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Crab Cakes), real estate & housing (colonial and victorian vs colonial and cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Crab Cakes & Pit Beef
- Maryland housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
- Rent in Maryland is 26.52% more affordable than in Massachusetts
- Moving from Massachusetts to Maryland will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,500
- Our top recommended Massachusetts to Maryland movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
Massachusetts to Maryland Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Maryland
- Harsh winters
- High cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Limited beach access
- Mild winters
- More affordable housing
- Less crowded roads
- Closer to ocean
- Fewer higher-ed options
- Less historic charm
- Less fall beauty
- Limited transit options
- Top-tier universities
- Rich in history
- Autumn foliage
- Robust public transit
Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Maryland
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
- Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Maryland with more affordable housing
- Swap the traffic congestion of Massachusetts for less crowded roads in Maryland
- Get ready for being closer to the ocean in Maryland
Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Maryland
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from top-tier universities in Massachusetts to live with fewer higher-ed options in Maryland
- You'll lose out on the pro of being rich in history and have to settle for the con of less historic charm
- Time to bid farewell to autumn foliage and get used to less fall beauty in Maryland
- Swap robust public transit for limited transit options
Massachusetts vs. Maryland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Crab Cakes |
Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Pit Beef |
Most popular street food item | Cannoli | Corn on the Cob |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan New England Clam Chowder | Vegan Crab Cake |
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 Massachusetts to Maryland, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Crab Cakes of Maryland. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Cannoli, Maryland residents know they have tasty Pit Beef and Corn on the Cob to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan New England Clam Chowder they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Crab Cake of Maryland. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Union Oyster House, Santarpio's Pizza, and Neptune Oyster. After the boxes are unpacked in Maryland, don't wait too long before making your way to Maryland's acclaimed eateries like Phillips Seafood, Chaps Pit Beef, and Faidley's Seafood.
When comparing lifestyles, Maryland shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Massachusetts. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Maryland compared to what you are used to in Massachusetts. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Maryland.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Maryland
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial and Victorian | Colonial and Cape Cod |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Energy efficiency, historic charm | Waterfront views, community amenities |
- The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maryland.
- Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference energy efficiency and historic charm, Maryland real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront views and community amenities.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Maryland is less walkable than Massachusetts.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Maryland is more bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
- Maryland has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
- Maryland housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $414,972 compared to Massachusettsβs $612,509.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maryland have increased 33% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
- Rent in Maryland is 26.52% more affordable than in Massachusetts.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Massachusetts and Maryland
Comparison | Massachusetts | 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 | Snowstorms, Nor'easters | Hurricanes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F / 60Β°F | 87Β°F / 67Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F / 22Β°F | 42Β°F / 29Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47" | 44" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 51" | 20.5" |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to Maryland. Maryland gets 7% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
- Maryland has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
- Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and nor'easters in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Maryland.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Maryland is 7 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
- The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Maryland. Maryland receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Maryland
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,488 | $94,991 |
Cost of Living Index | 121.55 | 124.95 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 2% - 5.75% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.23% | 1.10% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Education | Biotechnology, Information Technology, Healthcare |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Low |
Homelessness | Moderate | Fair |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maryland tend to earn about 1% more than in Massachusetts
- The COLI in Maryland is 3% higher than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
- The state income tax in MD is 2% - 5.75% compared to 5% in MA
- The affluence in Maryland is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
- The poverty level is low in Maryland compared to low in Massachusetts
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Massachusetts and fair in Maryland
Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Maryland
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic-leaning | Liberal/Democratic-leaning |
Local Politics | Diverse, with a strong Democratic presence in urban areas | Mix of Democratic dominance in cities and more conservative leanings in rural areas |
Religion | Primarily Christian, but highly diverse | Primarily Christian, with significant Jewish, Muslim, and other religious communities |
- Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic-leaning in its political climate
- Maryland, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic-leaning
- Maryland's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with significant Jewish, Muslim, and other religious communities
- Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian but highly diverse
Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Maryland
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maryland |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston University | Johns Hopkins University University of Maryland-College Park Towson University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Bowen Elementary Newton; Ambrose Elementary Winchester; Vinson-Owen Elementary Winchester | Cold Spring Elementary Potomac; Stone Mill Elementary North Potomac; Bannockburn Elementary Bethesda |
Top 3 Middle Schools | William Diamond Middle School Lexington; Thomas Prince School Princeton; Blanchard Middle School Westford | Folly Quarter Middle School Ellicott City; Thomas W. Pyle Middle School Bethesda; Herbert Hoover Middle School Potomac |
Top 3 High Schools | Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science Worcester; Lexington High School Lexington; Boston Latin School Boston | Walt Whitman High School Bethesda; Thomas S. Wootton High School Rockville; Winston Churchill High School Potomac |
Top 3 private high schools | Phillips Academy Andover; Groton School Groton; Milton Academy Milton | Gilman School Baltimore; Holton-Arms School Bethesda; McDonogh School Owings Mills |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Buckingham Browne & Nichols School Cambridge; Belmont Hill School Belmont; Shady Hill School Cambridge | Landon School Bethesda; Bullis School Potomac; Sidwell Friends School Bethesda |
Top 3 School Districts | Weston School District Newton Public Schools Lexington Public Schools | Maryland School Districts: Howard County Public Schools Montgomery County Public Schools Anne Arundel County Public Schools |
How Much Do Massachusetts to Maryland Movers Cost?
Moving 408 miles from Massachusetts to Maryland will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,219 | 300 ft3 | $4.06 |
1 Bedroom | $1,809 | 450 ft3 | $4.02 |
2 Bedrooms | $2,983 | 750 ft3 | $3.98 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,328 | 1100 ft3 | $3.93 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,228 | 1600 ft3 | $3.89 |
5+ Bedrooms | $6,930 | 1800 ft3 | $3.85 |
Top Massachusetts to Maryland Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Massachusetts to Maryland movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Maryland