Moving from Baltimore, MD to Virginia Beach, VA
The 247 mi from Baltimore to Virginia Beach translate to about 5h 8m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
247 mi Β· 5h 8m by car Β· MD β DC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 95, I 395 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Richmond, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Virginia Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 104.487 to 97.941, putting Virginia Beach roughly 6.3% below Baltimore on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Virginia Beach: 6.3% above Baltimore on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Virginia Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 46.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Virginia Beach gets around 3.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, OCEANA NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 457,066 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $90,685 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.54 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.3% between Baltimore and Virginia Beach (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Virginia Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
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 Virginia Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 247 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Virginia Beach compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $427,032 in Virginia Beach vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 127.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Virginia Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,685 in Virginia Beach vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 52.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Virginia Beach, VA from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 247 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via I 64 and I 95. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Virginia Beach compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Virginia Beach more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Virginia Beach is 6.3% lower than Baltimore (97.941 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· Virginia Beach, VA.