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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.

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.

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
Maryland
102.5
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 3.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
22.1 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 15% higher 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
$1,721/mo
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
District of Columbia is 12% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (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
44
District of Columbia
53
District of Columbia has 20% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Maryland
0
District of Columbia
0
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, and a 90-day move 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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