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Moving from Massachusetts to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

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.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 · EIA electricity · Census ACS 2024 (live) state-level

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 3.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 21% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
District of Columbia
102.5
District of Columbia has 1.0% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 0.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 17% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 0.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 21% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
District of Columbia
$1,922/mo
District of Columbia is 30% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 7.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 27% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 18% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 1.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 8.6% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
District of Columbia
47
District of Columbia has 62% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 78% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsDistrict of Columbia 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 District of Columbia than Massachusetts?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (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. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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