Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Maryland to Arizona

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

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.

AZ state flag
Moving to

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

Arizona has an overall price level 100.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maryland
105.0
Arizona
100.7
Arizona has 4.1% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
Arizona
106.8
Arizona has 12% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
Arizona
100.2
Arizona has 1.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 0.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
Arizona has 57% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 0.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
Arizona
$426,000
Arizona is 2.4% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Arizona
$1,416/mo
Arizona is 3.7% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 105°F · Winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maryland
87°F
Arizona
105°F
Arizona is 21% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
Arizona
43°F
Arizona is 72% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
Arizona
62°F
Arizona is 13% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
Arizona
286
Arizona has 44% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
Arizona
13 in
Arizona is 70% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
Arizona
48
Arizona has 12% higher AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
Arizona
10 in
Arizona is 64% less annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandArizona report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona than Maryland?

Arizona's overall price level is roughly 100.7 (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. Arizona tops out at 2.5%.

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

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

Related comparisons