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Moving from North Carolina to Maryland

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast. vs. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

NC state flag
Living now

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh

Median household income $66,186 · winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days

Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

MD state flag
Moving to

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Median household income $98,461 · winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland has an overall price level 105.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
North Carolina
94.3
Maryland
105.0
Maryland has 11% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Carolina
81.4
Maryland
121.1
Maryland has 49% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Carolina
98.6
Maryland
101.2
Maryland has 2.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Carolina
99.1
Maryland
100.7
Maryland has 1.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Carolina
16 ¢/kWh
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Maryland has 124% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Carolina
98.9
Maryland
101.0
Maryland has 2.2% higher transportation
Median home value
North Carolina
$333,000
Maryland
$436,300
Maryland is 31% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Carolina
$1,274/mo
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Maryland is 15% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
North Carolina
88°F
Maryland
87°F
Maryland is 1.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
North Carolina
30°F
Maryland
25°F
Maryland is 17% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
North Carolina
59°F
Maryland
55°F
Maryland is 6.0% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Carolina
213
Maryland
198
Maryland has 7.0% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Carolina
50 in
Maryland
44 in
Maryland is 11% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Carolina
38
Maryland
43
Maryland has 13% higher AQI
Snow / year
North Carolina
6 in
Maryland
28 in
Maryland is 367% more annual snowfall

Get the full North CarolinaMaryland 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 Maryland than North Carolina?

Maryland's overall price level is roughly 105.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for North Carolina — 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?

North Carolina tops out at 3.99% income tax. Maryland tops out at 6.5%.

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

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

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