Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Baltimore, MD
The 247 mi from Virginia Beach to Baltimore 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
| Virginia Beach | Baltimore | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 104.487 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 110.215 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 102.353 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 118.194 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Baltimore is 6.7% higher than Virginia Beach, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Baltimore is 6.7% below Virginia Beach β $427,032 vs $188,101 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Virginia Beach +2.8%, Baltimore -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Virginia Beach | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 43.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Virginia Beach (59.8Β°F) and Baltimore (59.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OCEANA NAS, VA US, MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Virginia Beach | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,066 | 577,193 |
| Median household income | $90,685 | $59,623 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 18.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.3 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.7% between Virginia Beach and Baltimore (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Baltimore MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median 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 Virginia and Maryland
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 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.
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.
- 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 household income compare in Virginia Beach vs Baltimore?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,623 in Baltimore vs $90,685 in Virginia Beach β a 34.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Baltimore compared to Virginia Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $188,101 in Baltimore vs $427,032 in Virginia Beach β a 56.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Baltimore more expensive than Virginia Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Baltimore is 6.7% higher than Virginia Beach (104.487 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Virginia Beach to Baltimore?
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 does the job market in Baltimore compare to Virginia Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA vs $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA, on total employment of 1,304,310 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Baltimore, MD from Virginia Beach, VA?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Virginia Beach.
City profiles: Virginia Beach, VA Β· Baltimore, MD.