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Washington to Maryland Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 2,704 mile interstate move from Washington to Maryland? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Maryland across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like rainy weather vs sunnier days), food & health (like Apple vs Crab Cake), real estate & housing (modern and craftsman vs colonial and cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Apple and Salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Crab Cake & Pit Beef
  • Maryland housing costs are 30% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Maryland is 5.38% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Maryland will cost on average between $2,500 - $10,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to Maryland movers is AT Movers

Washington to Maryland Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Maryland

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • Rainy weather
  • High cost of living
  • Distance to beaches
  • Volcanic activity
  • Long commutes
ProsMaryland iconMaryland
  • Sunnier days
  • More affordable housing
  • Closer to coastline
  • Stable geological environment
  • Shorter travel times

Maryland iconMaryland
  • Fewer tech job options
  • Limited mountainous areas
  • Less historic diversity
  • Less coffee-centric
Washington iconWashington
  • Strong tech industry
  • Vast outdoor activities
  • Rich cultural history
  • Excellent coffee culture

Pros of moving from Washington to Maryland

  • Say goodbye to rainy weather and hello to sunnier days
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Maryland with more affordable housing
  • Swap the distance to the beaches of Washington for being closer to the coastline in Maryland
  • Get ready for a stable geological environment in Maryland

Cons of moving from Washington to Maryland

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a strong tech industry in Washington to live with fewer tech job options in Maryland
  • You'll lose out on the pro of vast outdoor activities and have to settle for the con of limited mountainous areas
  • Time to bid farewell to a rich cultural history and get used to less historic diversity in Maryland
  • Swap excellent coffee culture for a less coffee-centric experience

Washington vs. Maryland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonMaryland
Most iconic local food itemAppleCrab Cake
Most popular meat dishSalmonPit Beef
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosSoft Shell Crab Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladBlack Bean Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Phillips Seafood
  • Charm City Cakes
  • The Crab Claw
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Washington to Maryland, you will be trading the iconic Apple of Washington for the equally delicious Crab Cake of Maryland. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Salmon and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Maryland residents know they have tasty Pit Beef and Soft Shell Crab Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burger of Maryland. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Dahlia Lounge, and The Herbfarm. 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 The Crab Claw.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Maryland

ComparisonWashingtonMaryland
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanColonial and Cape Cod
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Eco-friendlyFamily-friendly, Proximity to schools
  • The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maryland.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference views and eco-friendly features, Maryland real estate listings often highlight attributes like family-friendly environments and proximity to schools.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Maryland is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Maryland is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Maryland has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Maryland housing costs are 30% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $414,972 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maryland have increased by 33% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Maryland is 5.38% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonMaryland
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75/5587/66
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47/3642/29
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3844
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4920.5
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Maryland. Maryland gets 40% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • Maryland has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and nor'easters in Maryland.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Maryland is 12 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows in Maryland are 7 degrees colder than those in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maryland as it receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Maryland

ComparisonWashingtonMaryland
Avg. Household Income$91,306$94,991
Cost of Living Index104.1124.95
State Income Tax0% - 9.3%2% - 5.75%
Avg. Property Tax0.92%1.06%
Avg. Sales Tax6.5% - 10.4%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureBiotechnology, Services, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighHigh
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessNotableLess notable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maryland tend to earn about 4% more than in Washington
  • The COLI in Maryland will be 20% higher than what you are used to living in Washington
  • The state income tax in MD is 2% - 5.75% compared to 0% - 9.3% in WA
  • The affluence in Maryland is high compared to high in Washington
  • The poverty level is moderate in Maryland compared to moderate in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Washington and less notable in Maryland

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Maryland

ComparisonWashingtonMaryland
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningDemocratic-leaning
Local PoliticsLiberal in urban areas, conservative in ruralMixed, with liberal cities and conservative rural areas
ReligionLess religious, with emphasis on spiritualityTraditionally Christian, but highly diverse
  • Washington tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Maryland, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning
  • Maryland's religious environment can be described as traditionally Christian but highly diverse
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious with an emphasis on spirituality

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Maryland

ComparisonWashingtonMaryland
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Towson University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascadia Elementary (Seattle)
Medina Elementary (Medina)
Sammamish Elementary (Bellevue)
Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac)
Stone Mill Elementary (North Potomac)
Fulton Elementary (Fulton)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Odle Middle School (Bellevue)
Lakeside Middle School (Seattle)
Eastern Middle School (Silver Spring)
Burleigh Manor Middle School (Ellicott City)
Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda)
Top 3 High SchoolsLakeside School (Seattle)
Bellevue High School (Bellevue)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda)
Winston Churchill High School (Potomac)
Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Overlake School (Redmond)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
Gilman School (Baltimore)
McDonogh School (Owings Mills)
Sidwell Friends School (Bethesda)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsEpiphany School (Seattle)
The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Seattle Country Day School (Seattle)
Landon School (Bethesda)
The Park School (Baltimore)
Friends School of Baltimore (Baltimore)
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District
Montgomery County Public Schools
Howard County Public School System
Anne Arundel County Public Schools

How Much Do Washington to Maryland Movers Cost?

Moving 2,704 miles from Washington 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.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $10,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: AT Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,735300 ft3$9.12
1 Bedroom$4,081450 ft3$9.07
2 Bedrooms$6,764750 ft3$9.02
3 Bedrooms$9,8651100 ft3$8.97
4 Bedrooms$14,2691600 ft3$8.92
5+ Bedrooms$15,9631800 ft3$8.87

Top Washington to Maryland Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Washington to Maryland movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
AT Movers featured image

AT Movers

Best moving company overall for Washington to Maryland

9.65/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
AJ Moving Services LLC featured image

AJ Moving Services LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details

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