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Moving from Maryland to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

MD state flag
Living now

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

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

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maryland
105.0
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 15% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 49% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
Alabama
97.2
Alabama has 4.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 2.4% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 52% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 3.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 47% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Alabama
$889/mo
Alabama is 40% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maryland
87°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 4.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 40% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 14% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
Alabama
213
Alabama has 7.6% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 26% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
Alabama
42
Alabama has 2.3% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
Alabama
1 in
Alabama is 96% less annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandAlabama report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama than Maryland?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.1 for Maryland — 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?

Maryland tops out at 6.5% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

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

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

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