Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Massachusetts to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

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

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 16% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 52% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Alabama
97.2
Alabama has 4.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 2.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 43% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 3.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 62% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Alabama
$889/mo
Alabama is 40% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 11% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 59% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 30% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Alabama
213
Alabama has 6.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 14% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Alabama
42
Alabama has 45% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Alabama
1 in
Alabama is 98% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsAlabama report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama than Massachusetts?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts — 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

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

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

Related comparisons