Planning your move to the Free State? You’re not alone! More and more people are moving to Maryland annually. The state’s population grew by 16,272 in 2023, bringing it to 6.1 million in 2024.
Maryland has a robust economy, driven by its proximity to Washington, D.C., and its strong defense, tech, and healthcare sectors. The state has a median household income of 102K —among the highest in the nation, appeals to potential movers, too.
3 Reasons to Move to Maryland
Maryland is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to Maryland.
| # | Reasons to Move to MD | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The cost of living in Maryland is 11% higher than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Free State is the fastest growing state for employment in 2024. |
| 3. | Education | Maryland is home to renowned educational institutes like the Holton-Arms and the University of Maryland. |
1. Cost of Living in Maryland
The cost of living in Maryland is 11.8% higher than the national average. However, it’s an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Maryland’s popular regions:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Home Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Baltimore | $230,000 | $1,574 | $128 | $171.76 | $577 |
| Columbia | $500,00 | $2,123 | $53.1 | $136.59 | $615 |
| Germantown | $415,000 | $2,015 | $82.3 | $180.0 | $834 |
| Frederick | $445,000 | $1,840 | $61 | $113.03 | $604 |
3. Employment Opportunities in Maryland
Maryland’s strong economy provides many job opportunities across different industries. In the first half of 2024, the state added 27,800 jobs, making it the fastest-growing state for employment.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: Maryland’s healthcare sector is rapidly growing, with high demand for roles in nursing, home health care, and medical administration. The state expects to create over 36,568 new jobs by 2032. Top employers include Johns Hopkins Health System and MedStar Health.
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: Job growth in IT, cybersecurity, and scientific research is set to expand. More than 48,009 new positions are projected by 2032. Leading employers include Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Booz Allen Hamilton.
- Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities: Maryland’s location along the East Coast and the Port of Baltimore make transportation and logistics key industries. About 8,202 new jobs are expected by 2032. Key employers include the Maryland Transit Administration and Amazon.
- Government: Maryland’s government sector remains a major employer. Federal agencies like the NIH and NSA are headquartered in the state. This sector is projected to add 17,018 jobs by 2032, with the federal government being Maryland’s largest employer.
4. Education and Schools in Maryland
Maryland serves over 889,900 students across 24 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options, including:
- Public Schools: Maryland has over 1,421 public schools, known for their academic excellence and innovative programs. Baltimore County Public Schools are Harford County Public Schools known for their Advanced Placement (AP) programs and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: MD has over 48 public charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Some of the top schools are Frederick Classical Charter and the Green School of Baltimore.
- Private Schools: Maryland is home to over 885 private schools, known for their small class sizes and personalized attention. The average tuition for private schools is around $14,808 annually. Some of the top private institutions include Sidwell Friends and Holton-Arms.
- Higher Education: MD has a robust higher education system with 13 public colleges and universities and several private colleges. The University of Maryland (UMD) is particularly known for its engineering, business, and public health programs.
Cost of Moving to Maryland💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to MD.
1. Moving Costs ~ $445 to $3,493
Moving to MD involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Maryland moving companies typically cost $104 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Maryland.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Maryland.
- When moving to Maryland, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in Maryland is around $449/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Maryland. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in MD starts from $110. A standard title transfer costs around $100.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Free State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Columbia, Baltimore, and Frederick, the average rent ranges between $1,500 and $2,500.
- However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Maryland in your budget. Homes in coastal cities like Sarasota cost a median of $451K. while those in Baltimore costs $230K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Maryland✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to Maryland an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Maryland neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
