Moving from Baltimore, MD to Richmond, VA
It is a 147 mi drive, roughly 3h 12m, between Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
147 mi Β· 3h 12m by car Β· MD β DC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 395, MD 295 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.3% cheaper overall in Richmond than Baltimore on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 45.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Richmond gets around 8.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.23 |
Households in Richmond earn about 6.3% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Maryland and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 147 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Richmond, VA from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 147 mi and the route typically takes 3h 12m via I 95 and I 395. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 5.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 96.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Richmond more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 6.3% lower than Baltimore (97.858 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Richmond, VA.