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Moving from Maryland to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maryland
105.0
Washington
107.0
Washington has 2.0% higher overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
Washington
126.0
Washington has 4.0% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
Washington
101.8
Washington has 0.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Washington
101.1
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 60% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
Washington
101.4
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 38% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 12% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maryland
87°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 9.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 40% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 9.6% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
Washington
152
Washington has 23% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 9.3% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
Washington
39
Washington has 9.3% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 3.6% more annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandWashington 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 Washington than Maryland?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

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