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Moving from Arizona to Massachusetts

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 5.0% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 20% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Arizona
95.4
Massachusetts
98.8
Massachusetts has 3.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 0.8% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 90% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 1.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 43% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,672/mo
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Massachusetts is 11% more expensive to rent

Sources: EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 22% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 49% less winter lows
Sunny days / year
Arizona
62.1
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 222% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
211 in
Massachusetts
47 in
Massachusetts is 78% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
13.4
Massachusetts
46
Massachusetts has 243% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Arizona
43
Massachusetts
0
Massachusetts has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Arizona
1 in
Massachusetts
25 in
Massachusetts is 2400% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaMassachusetts report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts than Arizona?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% income tax. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Massachusetts?

Most Massachusetts residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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