Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to MDtoggle

There are many factors that influence Alabama moving costs. The cost to move from Alabama to Maryland will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from AL to MD

If you’re moving to Maryland from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Alabama vs. Maryland

Alabama Maryland
Average rent cost $925 $1,598
Average home cost $227,508 $418,438
Average income (per capita) $59,609 $98,461
Cost of Living Index 88 100
Unemployment rate 2.9% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 9.22% 6.0%
State Income Tax 5.0% 5.75%
  • Rent is about 73% more expensive in Maryland than in Alabama.
  • Home prices are about 84% higher in Maryland than in Alabama.
  • The average income is about 65% higher in Maryland than in Alabama.
  • Cost of living is 14% lower in Maryland than in Alabama.
  • Maryland has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 3%.
  • Sales taxes are 35% lower in Maryland than in Alabama.
  • Income taxes are 15% higher in Maryland than in Alabama.

How life is different in Maryland vs. Alabama

Maryland Alabama
Population 6,180,253 5,108,468
Political leaning Democratic 63-34.4 Republican 65-35
Summer high 87ºF 91ºF
Winter low 25ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 44" 56"
Annual snow 19" 1"
Crime index 20.34 21.48
  • The population of Maryland is approximately 21% greater than the population of Alabama.
  • In the last presidential election, Maryland voted Democratic and Alabama voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Maryland is 87ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Maryland reaches the temperature of 25ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Maryland versus 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
  • In Maryland, it snows about 19 inches annually versus 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
  • Maryland has a lower crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 20.34 vs. 21.48.

Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Maryland

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Maryland compared to Alabama.

Pros of living in Alabama Pros of living in Maryland
Low cost of living Delicious food
Tasty southern comfort food Ample economic opportunity
Bountiful recreational opportunities Diverse outdoor activities
Top-notch college football Beautiful coastline
Rich history Rich history

Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Maryland

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for Maryland.

Cons of living in Alabama Cons of living in Maryland
Poor quality of life High cost of living
Severe weather Bad traffic
Restrictive alcohol laws High crime
Poor healthcare High homelessness
Cockroaches Peculiar alcohol laws

Other things to consider for your Alabama to Maryland movetoggle

  • Weather: Maryland has a wide array of climates, due to local variances in elevation, proximity to water, and protection from colder weather due to downslope winds. The eastern half of Maryland — which includes the cities of Ocean City, Salisbury, Annapolis, and the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore — lies on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with flat topography and sandy or muddy soil. This region has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a short, mild-to-cool winter
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Maryland does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Maryland. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Marylandtoggle

While you’re in Maryland, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • 1: Baltimore Inner Harbor
  • 2: Deep Creek Lake Area
  • 3: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
  • 4: Ocean City Boardwalk
  • 5: Six Flags America
  • 6: Assateague State Park
  • 7: Brookside Gardens
  • 8: Fort McHenry National Monument
  • 9: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
  • 10: Strathmore Music Center
  • 11: National Aquarium
  • 12: The Walters Art Museum
  • 13: Antietam National Battlefield
  • 14: Swallow Falls State Park
  • 15: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
  • 16: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
  • 17: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
  • 18: American Visionary Art Museum
  • 19: Port Discovery Children's Museum
  • 20: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Maryland?toggle

Hiring a full-service Alabama moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Alabama to Maryland?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Alabama to Maryland separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Maryland?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to Maryland are the amazing upsides of living in Maryland such as delicious food and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Maryland?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Alabama than in Maryland. Housing is much more affordable in Alabama, with average rent about 42% less and home prices 46% lower than in Maryland. Taxes are also lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Maryland residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Maryland?toggle

You should make approximately $80,036 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Maryland. The cost of living in Maryland is approximately $3,093 per month for an individual and $8,091 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Maryland you live For example, larger cities like Washington DC and Baltimore will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources