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Moving from Massachusetts to New Jersey

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

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.

NJ state flag
Moving to

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

Median household income $97,126 · winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days

Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

New Jersey has an overall price level 108.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
New Jersey
108.8
New Jersey has 2.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
New Jersey
134.3
New Jersey has 4.9% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Massachusetts
98.8
New Jersey
107.1
New Jersey has 8.3% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
New Jersey
101.3
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
New Jersey
23.5 ¢/kWh
New Jersey has 20% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
New Jersey
101.8
New Jersey has 0.6% higher transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
New Jersey
$496,000
New Jersey is 18% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
New Jersey
$1,800/mo
New Jersey is 2.6% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
New Jersey
86°F
New Jersey is 4.9% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
New Jersey
24°F
New Jersey is 9.1% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
200°F
New Jersey
53°F
New Jersey is 74% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
New Jersey
207
New Jersey has 340% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
New Jersey
48 in
New Jersey is 3.3% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
New Jersey
50
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
New Jersey
1
New Jersey has 96% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
24 in

Get the full MassachusettsNew Jersey 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 New Jersey than Massachusetts?

New Jersey's overall price level is roughly 110.5 (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. New Jersey tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New Jersey?

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

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