Factors influencing moving costs from Chesapeake to Baltimore
What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Baltimore
Moving from Chesapeake to Baltimore comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Baltimore is generally more expensive than Chesapeake, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chesapeake | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,800 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $375,209 | $180,790 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $58,349 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,882 | $2,223 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,656 | $5,088 |
Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 7.9% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Baltimore are 11% lower than in Chesapeake, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
Home prices in Baltimore are 51.8% lower than in Chesapeake. - Income in Baltimore is 8.1% lower than in Chesapeake, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Baltimore include Social Security Administration, Laureate International Universities, and Fitch Co.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Baltimore, since the cost of living for a single person in Baltimore is 18.1% higher than in Chesapeake. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Baltimore, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Baltimore is 39.2% higher than in Chesapeake.
- The unemployment rate in Baltimore is 58.00% higher than in Chesapeake.
- Sales taxes are the same in Baltimore and Chesapeake.
- State income taxes are the same in Baltimore and Chesapeake.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,543.57 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Baltimore
Baltimore | Chesapeake | |
---|---|---|
Population | 585,708 | 249,422 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 2 |
Walkability score | 64 | 21 |
Bike friendliness score | 53 | 35 |
Crime Index | 72.72 | 25.0 |
Safety Index | 27.28 | 70.88 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Baltimore's population is about 135% greater than Chesapeake.
- Baltimore's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chesapeake's lower score of 2.
- Baltimore is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 64 out of 100 vs Chesapeake's 21 out of 100.
- With a score of 53 out of 100, Baltimore is more bike-friendly than Chesapeake, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Baltimore's crime rate is higher than Chesapeake with a score of 72.72 compared to Chesapeake's 25.0. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
- Baltimore is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 27.28 vs Chesapeake's 70.88.
- Air quality in Baltimore is good, and in Chesapeake it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chesapeake vs. Baltimore move
- Weather: Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Maryland, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Maryland doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Baltimore without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Baltimore
With your sights set on "America's Comeback Cit", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Baltimore.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Federal Hill
- Fells Point
- Mid-Town Belvedere
- Mount Vernon
- South Baltimore
Best neighborhoods for families
- Catonsville
- Mount Washington
- Pikesville
- Roland Park
- Towson
Things to do in Baltimore
After settling into your new Maryland home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Baltimore has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Baltimore is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, B&O Railroad Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Industry.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Baltimore?
The best time to move from Chesapeake to Baltimore is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chesapeake.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chesapeake to Baltimore?
Because most people are moving from Chesapeake to Baltimore in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chesapeake to Baltimore take?
The 249-mile move from Chesapeake, VA, to Baltimore, MD, takes one to two days. Some Chesapeake movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Baltimore.