How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to MD move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 115 North Carolina moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from North Carolina to Maryland?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from North Carolina to Maryland.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$804 – $2,587 |
$580 – $1,414 |
$307 – $525 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,541 – $4,215 |
$1,041 – $1,919 |
$334 – $654 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,173 – $5,947 |
$1,362 – $2,613 |
$400 – $813 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 310-mile move from NC to
MD using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to Maryland
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from North Carolina to Maryland,
you can expect prices to land between $804
and $2,587.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$1,541 to
$4,215 for the trip from NC
to MD. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$2,173 and
$5,947.
Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to Maryland
Moving containers from North Carolina to Maryland
will cost you $580 to
$1,414 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,041
to $1,919. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,362 to
$2,613.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to Maryland
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$307
and $525
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $334
to $654.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$400
to $813.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NC to MD
Several factors influence the cost of moving from North Carolina to Maryland. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in North Carolina generally comes with a higher price tag.
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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 NC to MD
Making the move from North Carolina to Maryland means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: North Carolina vs. Maryland
A clear look at the cost differences between North Carolina and Maryland helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
North Carolina |
Maryland |
| Average rent |
$1,093 |
$1,598 |
| Average home cost |
$328,715 |
$418,438 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$66,186 |
$98,461 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.7% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
6.98% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
4.5% |
5.75% |
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Rent in Maryland is about 46% higher than in North Carolina. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Maryland are usually around 27% higher than what you’ll find in North Carolina.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 49% higher in Maryland than in North Carolina, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Since living costs in Maryland and North Carolina are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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With an unemployment rate around 19% lower than North Carolina, Maryland offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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Sales tax in Maryland is 14% lower than in North Carolina. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Maryland could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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State income taxes in Maryland are 28% higher than in North Carolina, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in Maryland vs. North Carolina
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Maryland and North Carolina compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Maryland |
North Carolina |
| Population |
6,180,253 |
10,835,491 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 63-34.4 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
88ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
29ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
19″ |
4″ |
| Crime index |
20.34 |
24.69 |
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The population of Maryland is about 43% smaller than that of North Carolina.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
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In the latest presidential election, Maryland voted Democratic, while North Carolina chose Republican.
-
Summer highs average 87°F in Maryland, compared to 88°F in North Carolina.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Winter lows in Maryland hover around 25°F, while North Carolina averages 29°F.
When temperatures are this close, your move won’t bring big seasonal surprises.
-
You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Maryland and 48 inches in North Carolina.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
Each year, Maryland gets about 19 inches of snow, while North Carolina sees only 4 inches.
More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
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Moving to Maryland means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 20.34 versus North Carolina’s 24.69, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of North Carolina 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 North Carolina:
| Pros of living in North Carolina |
Pros of living in Maryland |
| Great communities |
Delicious food |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Diverse outdoor activities |
| High quality of life |
Beautiful coastline |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina vs. Maryland
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from North Carolina to Maryland:
| Cons of living in North Carolina |
Cons of living in Maryland |
| Hurricanes |
High cost of living |
| Bland weather |
Bad traffic |
| High crime rate |
High crime |
| High tax burden |
High homelessness |
| Poor education |
Peculiar alcohol laws |
Other things to consider for your North Carolina to Maryland move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
-
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 proper licensing before hiring them.
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State regulator:
You can quickly check a Maryland moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Maryland, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Maryland right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Maryland
You’ll have plenty to explore in Maryland! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Maryland
- U.S. Naval Academy
- The Walters Art Museum
- American Visionary Art Museum
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
- Baltimore Museum of Art
Parks in Maryland
- Northside Park
- Rock Creek Regional Park
- Wheaton Regional Park
- Centennial Park
- Hagerstown City Park
Sports teams in Maryland
- Baltimore Orioles (MLB)
- Baltimore Ravens (NFL)
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
- Maryland Terrapins (NCAA)
- Potomac River Exiles Men’s Rugby Club (MAC)
Universities in Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Maryland
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Towson University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from North Carolina to Maryland?
Do movers transport your car from North Carolina to Maryland?
What are the benefits of moving from North Carolina to Maryland?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave North Carolina for Maryland, drawn by advantages like delicious food and ample economic opportunity that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Maryland?
Living in North Carolina usually costs less than in Maryland.
Housing
is much more affordable in North Carolina,
with average rent about 32% less and home prices 21% lower than in Maryland.
Taxes are also
lower in North Carolina, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Maryland residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Maryland?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Maryland, you should aim to make around $96,415.
On average, expect to spend about $3,469 per month, or $8,331 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Washington DC and Baltimore generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in North Carolina?
Many movers in North Carolina publish special-rate programs:
1 honor AAA member discounts;
5 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
1 have educator discounts;
2 advertise rates for law enforcement personnel.
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
North Carolina moving services
Popular North Carolina routes
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For a move from North Carolina to Maryland, budget between $1,541–$4,215 for full-service movers, around
$1,480 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$494
for a rental truck.
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