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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
Massachusetts
98.8
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 7.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 0.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 14% 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
$1,848/mo
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
District of Columbia is 4.5% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (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
200°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 71% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 319% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 3.0% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
District of Columbia
53
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
District of Columbia
0
District of Columbia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
11 in

Get the full MassachusettsDistrict of Columbia 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 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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