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Moving from West Virginia to Maryland

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition. vs. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

WV state flag
Living now

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Median household income $55,217 · winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days

Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

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
West Virginia
89.5
Maryland
105.0
Maryland has 17% higher overall price level
Housing index
West Virginia
54.2
Maryland
121.1
Maryland has 123% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.4
Maryland
101.2
Maryland has 4.0% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
West Virginia
98.4
Maryland
100.7
Maryland has 2.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Maryland has 119% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.9
Maryland
101.0
Maryland has 3.2% higher transportation
Median home value
West Virginia
$170,800
Maryland
$436,300
Maryland is 155% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
West Virginia
$643/mo
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Maryland is 129% 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
West Virginia
84°F
Maryland
87°F
Maryland is 3.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
West Virginia
25°F
Maryland
25°F
Avg annual temperature
West Virginia
52°F
Maryland
55°F
Maryland is 6.4% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
West Virginia
169
Maryland
198
Maryland has 17% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
West Virginia
46 in
Maryland
44 in
Maryland is 3.3% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
West Virginia
42
Maryland
43
Maryland has 2.4% higher AQI
Snow / year
West Virginia
39 in
Maryland
28 in
Maryland is 28% less annual snowfall

Get the full West VirginiaMaryland 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 Maryland than West Virginia?

Maryland's overall price level is roughly 105.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 88.6 for West Virginia — 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?

West Virginia tops out at 4.82% 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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