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Moving from California to Maryland

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs. vs. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

MD state flag
Moving to

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Median household income $98,461 · winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland has an overall price level 105.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Maryland
105.0
Maryland has 5.2% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Maryland
121.1
Maryland has 22% lower housing costs
Groceries index
California
106.1
Maryland
102.5
Maryland has 3.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Maryland
100.7
Maryland has 0.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
Maryland
22.1 ¢/kWh
Maryland has 37% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Maryland
101.0
Maryland has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Maryland
$436,300
Maryland is 43% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$2,104/mo
Maryland
$1,721/mo
Maryland is 18% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Maryland
87°F
Maryland is 3.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Maryland
25°F
Maryland is 44% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Maryland
55°F
Maryland is 6.6% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Maryland
198
Maryland has 23% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Maryland
44 in
Maryland is 73% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
56
Maryland
44
Maryland has 21% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
California
302
Maryland
0
Maryland has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
California
16 in
Maryland
28 in
Maryland is 75% more annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaMaryland report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Maryland than California?

Maryland's overall price level is roughly 105.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Maryland tops out at 6.5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Maryland?

Most Maryland residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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