Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Baltimore, MD

It is 932 mi between Palm Bay and Baltimore β€” roughly 17h 26m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.

932 mi Β· 17h 26m by car Β· MD β†’ DC β†’ VA β†’ NC β†’ SC β†’ GA β†’ FL

COL +4.5% Home values -37.8% Ξ” -13.5Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
932 mi
Drive time
17h 26m
States
7
Fuel (25 mpg)
37 gal
Route throughMD β†’ DC β†’ VA β†’ NC β†’ SC β†’ GA β†’ FL
Primary highwaysI 95, I 295, I 395
Major cities en routeAlexandria, Richmond, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Savannah

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Palm BayBaltimoreU.S. avg
All items (RPP)100.005104.487100.0
Rents88.064110.215100.0
Goods96.24102.353100.0
Services111.731118.194100.0

Palm Bay and Baltimore sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β€” the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Palm Bay β€” typical home
$302,461
Baltimore β€” typical home
$188,101
Palm Bay β€” typical rent
$1,866/mo
Baltimore β€” typical rent
$1,729/mo

Zillow ZHVI drops from $302,461 in Palm Bay to $188,101 in Baltimore, a 4.5% decrease on the typical home value.

YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Baltimore -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsPalm BayBaltimore
Annual avg temperature73Β°F59Β°F
January avg low49Β°F30Β°F
July avg high91Β°F90Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation55.6"43.7"

Annual temperature drops 13.5Β°F moving to Baltimore per NOAA normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Palm BayBaltimore
Population125,273577,193
Median household income$67,521$59,623
Median age41.336.1
Bachelor's degree or higher14.4%18.1%
Avg household size2.822.3

Households in Baltimore earn about 4.5% less at the median β€” ACS 5-year 2023.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Palm Bay MSA β€” median wage
$46,290
Baltimore MSA β€” median wage
$54,140
Palm Bay MSA β€” employment
236,890
Baltimore MSA β€” employment
1,304,310

Top occupations in Baltimore MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 162,740 $46,770
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 114,980 $42,010
Management Occupations 113,490 $120,070
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 107,080 $84,430
Sales and Related Occupations 102,740 $35,500

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Florida and Maryland

Florida income tax
no state income tax
Maryland income tax
5.75% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Maryland'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 20–30% 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.
  • I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Baltimore average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
  • Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
  • Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
  • Register to vote in Maryland after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How does the job market in Baltimore compare to Palm Bay?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 1,304,310 and 236,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Is Baltimore more expensive than Palm Bay?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Baltimore is 4.5% higher than Palm Bay (104.487 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Baltimore compared to Palm Bay?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $188,101 in Baltimore vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β€” a 37.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Baltimore?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,623 in Baltimore vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β€” a 11.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Baltimore?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 932 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How far is Baltimore, MD from Palm Bay, FL?

The driving distance is 932 mi and the route typically takes 17h 26m via I 95 and I 295. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Palm Bay.

City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Baltimore, MD.

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