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Moving from Maryland to Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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.

VA state flag
Moving to

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

Virginia has an overall price level 101.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maryland
105.0
Virginia
101.1
Virginia has 3.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
Virginia
106.8
Virginia has 12% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
Virginia
100.3
Virginia has 1.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 0.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 52% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 0.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
Virginia
$403,500
Virginia is 7.5% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Virginia is 3.4% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maryland
87°F
Virginia
87°F
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
Virginia
28°F
Virginia is 12% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
Virginia
56°F
Virginia is 1.1% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
Virginia
208
Virginia has 5.1% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
Virginia
44 in
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
Virginia
41
Virginia has 4.7% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
Virginia
15 in
Virginia is 46% less annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandVirginia 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 Virginia than Maryland?

Virginia's overall price level is roughly 100.4 (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. Virginia tops out at 5.75%.

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

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

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