Maria Rodriguez
Maria Rodriguez produces the state relocation guides for The Moving Playbook. Each guide synthesizes U.S. Census migration data, Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data, Zillow and Redfin housing market data, and state tax authority records into a clear, data-grounded picture of what relocating to a new state actually means for a household’s finances and quality of life. She has personally relocated across state lines twice and has helped three family members navigate interstate moves.
“Most state guides tell you the marketing version of a place. I try to give people the information their friends who already live there would give them — the real trade-offs, not just the highlights.”
Coverage Areas
Background & Expertise
Maria brings a social-science research background to relocation journalism. Her methodology for each state guide involves cross-referencing at least four independent data sources before publishing any cost-of-living claim, housing statistic, or tax comparison. She does not rely on third-party “cost of living index” summaries alone — she traces those numbers back to their underlying sources and flags where methodology differs across studies.
Every state guide is updated annually at minimum, with mid-year revisions when significant housing market or economic changes occur. She maintains a live data model for each state that tracks median home prices, rent levels, and in-migration trends on a quarterly basis.
Articles by Maria
All content by Maria Rodriguez follows The Moving Playbook’s Editorial Policy and Methodology. Affiliate relationships are disclosed and never influence editorial verdicts.