Maryland to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maryland to California

ConsMaryland

• Humid summers
• High property taxes
• Lack of tech opportunities
• Limited outdoor activities
• Harsh winters

ProsCalifornia

• Sunny weather
• Strong job market
• Thriving tech hub
• Beach access
• Moderate climate

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California

• High cost of living
• Earthquake risk
• Long commutes
• Expensive dining
• Wildfires

Maryland

• Great public schools
• Historical sites
• Proximity to DC
• Maryland crabs
• Diverse culture

Pros of moving from Maryland to California

• Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to sunny weather
• Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to California with a strong job market
• Swap the lack of tech opportunities in Maryland for a thriving tech hub in California
• Get ready for beach access in California

Cons of moving from Maryland to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from great public schools in Maryland to live with a high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of historical sites and have to settle for the con of earthquake risk
• Time to bid farewell to proximity to DC and get used to long commutes in California
• Swap Maryland crabs for expensive dining

Maryland vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Maryland to California, you will be trading the iconic Crab Cakes of Maryland for the equally delicious Sourdough Bread of California. And while the locals in Maryland rave about their flavorful Pit Beef and sumptuous Fish Tacos, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Tacos 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 Smoothie Bowls of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maryland eateries like Charleston, Woodberry Kitchen, and Pappas Seafood. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, Tartine Bakery, and n/naka.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maryland and California

• The Colonial architecture that Maryland is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Maryland's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, California real estate listings often highlight features like views and solar panels.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. California is less walkable than Maryland.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Maryland.
• California has more of an urban feel than Maryland.
• California housing costs are 89% more expensive than they are in Maryland, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Maryland’s $414,972.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 33% increase in Maryland.
• Rent in California is 46.13% more expensive than in Maryland.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Maryland to California. California gets 33% more sunshine days than Maryland.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Maryland.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Maryland, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 2 degrees colder than in Maryland.
• The average winter lows are 19 degrees warmer than they are in Maryland.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California as it receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Maryland.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maryland and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 4% less than in Maryland
• The COLI in California will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Maryland
• The state income tax in CA is 1% - 13.3% compared to 2% - 5.75% in MD
• The affluence in California is varied compared to comfortable in Maryland
• The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate in Maryland
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Maryland and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Maryland vs. California

• Maryland tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as having Christianity as predominant with high diversity in religious beliefs
• Maryland's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having Christianity as predominant with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to California

How Much Do Maryland to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,825 miles from Maryland to California 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.