Maryland to Michigan Moving Guide
Updated June 6, 2025

Planning a 738 mile interstate move from Maryland to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maryland vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high living costs vs affordable housing), food & health (like Blue Crab vs Cherry Pie), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs bungalow, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maryland), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Blue Crab and Crab Cakes, but get your taste buds ready for Cherry Pie & Cony Dog
- Michigan housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in Maryland
- Rent in Michigan is 22.25% more affordable than in Maryland
- Moving from Maryland to Michigan will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Maryland to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving
Maryland to Michigan Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Maryland to Michigan
- High living costs
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Hot, humid summers
- Lack of winter activities
- Affordable housing
- Less traffic
- Mild summer weather
- Abundant winter sports
- Limited historical sites
- No ocean access
- Fewer dining options
- Far from major cities
- Rich history
- Ocean coastline
- Diverse cuisine
- Proximity to DC
Pros of moving from Maryland to Michigan
- Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Michigan with less traffic
- Swap the hot, humid summers of Maryland for mild summer weather in Michigan
- Get ready for abundant winter sports in Michigan
Cons of moving from Maryland to Michigan
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Maryland to live with limited historical sites in Michigan
- You'll lose out on the pro of ocean coastline and have to settle for the con of no ocean access
- Time to bid farewell to diverse cuisine and get used to fewer dining options in Michigan
- Swap proximity to DC for being far from major cities
Maryland vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Maryland | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Blue Crab | Cherry Pie |
Most popular meat dish | Crab Cakes | Cony Dog |
Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Pasties |
Most popular vegan food | Black Bean Burger | Tempeh Reuben |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 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 Maryland to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Blue Crab of Maryland for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Maryland rave about their flavorful Crab Cakes and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Michigan residents know they have tasty Coney Dog and Pasties to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maryland eateries like Phillips Seafood, Bertha's Mussels, and Lexington Market. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and American Coney Island.
When comparing lifestyles, Michigan shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Maryland. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Michigan, compared to what you are used to in Maryland. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Michigan.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maryland and Michigan
Comparison | Maryland | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Bungalow, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront views, Deck | Lakeside access, Garage |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Maryland is known for will be replaced with the Bungalow and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
- Compared to Maryland's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views and decks, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside access and garages.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Michigan is less walkable than Maryland.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Michigan is more bike-friendly than Maryland.
- Michigan has less of an urban feel than Maryland.
- Michigan housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in Maryland, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Marylandβs $414,972.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 33% increase in Maryland.
- Rent in Michigan is 22.25% more affordable than in Maryland.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Maryland and Michigan
Comparison | Maryland | Michigan |
---|---|---|
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 | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 87/66 | 81/59 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 42/25 | 31/17 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 44 | 32.8 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 20.5 | 60.66 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Maryland to Michigan. Michigan gets 20% fewer sunshine days than Maryland.
- Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Maryland.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Maryland, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 6 degrees cooler than in Maryland.
- The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Maryland.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 11.2 fewer inches of rain compared to Maryland.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Maryland and Michigan
Comparison | Maryland | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,991 | $66,986 |
Cost of Living Index | 124.95 | 91.2 |
State Income Tax | 4.75-5.75 | 4.25 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.1 | 1.54 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 6 |
Top 3 Industries | Biotechnology, Information Technology, Manufacturing | Automotive, Manufacturing, Agriculture |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 29% less than in Maryland
- The COLI in Michigan will be 27% lower than what you are used to living in Maryland
- The state income tax in MI is 4.25 compared to 4.75 to 5.75 in MD
- The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to high in Maryland
- The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to low in Maryland
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Maryland and moderate in Michigan
Political and Religious Climate in Maryland vs. Michigan
Comparison | Maryland | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democrat-leaning | Swing state |
Local Politics | Liberal policies in urban areas | Mixed, varies by region |
Religion | Christianity dominant, but diverse religious representation | Christianity prevalent, with a notable Muslim community |
- Maryland tends to lean Democrat-leaning in its political climate
- Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
- Michigan's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, with a notable Muslim community
- Maryland's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, but with diverse religious representation
Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to Michigan
Comparison | Maryland | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Maryland Johns Hopkins University Towson University | University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Fulton Elementary (Fulton) Bannockburn Elementary (Bethesda) Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac) | Bates Elementary (Dexter),Musson Elementary (Rochester Hills) Deerfield Elementary (Novi) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda) Herbert Hoover Middle School (Potomac) Cabin John Middle School (Potomac) | Boulan Park Middle School (Troy) West Middle School (Rochester Hills) Meads Mill Middle School (Northville) |
Top 3 High Schools | Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda) Winston Churchill High School (Potomac) Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville) | International Academy (Bloomfield Hills) Troy High School (Troy) Northville High School (Northville) |
Top 3 private high schools | Gilman School (Baltimore) Holton-Arms School (Bethesda) McDonogh School (Owings Mills) | Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Roeper School (Birmingham) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Glenelg Country School (Ellicott City) Sandy Spring Friends School (Sandy Spring) St. Timothy's School (Stevenson) | Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) University Liggett School (Grosse Pointe Woods) Roeper School (Birmingham) |
Top 3 School Districts | Howard County Public Schools Montgomery County Public Schools Anne Arundel County Public Schools | Ann Arbor Public Schools East Grand Rapids Public Schools Okemos Public Schools |
How Much Do Maryland to Michigan Movers Cost?
Moving 738 miles from Maryland to Michigan 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: 3-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: AT Movers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,621 | 300 ft3 | $5.40 |
1 Bedroom | $2,409 | 450 ft3 | $5.35 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,977 | 750 ft3 | $5.30 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,778 | 1100 ft3 | $5.25 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,325 | 1600 ft3 | $5.20 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,275 | 1800 ft3 | $5.15 |
Top Maryland to Michigan Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Maryland to Michigan movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.