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Moving from Maryland to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

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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.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maryland
105.0
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 4.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 28% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
District of Columbia
102.5
District of Columbia has 1.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 30% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 1.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 68% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
District of Columbia
$1,922/mo
District of Columbia is 31% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maryland
87°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 1.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 12% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 4.0% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 0.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 1.4% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
District of Columbia
47
District of Columbia has 9.3% higher AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 61% less annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandDistrict of Columbia 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 District of Columbia than Maryland?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (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. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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