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Moving from Massachusetts to New York

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

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.

NY state flag
Moving to

New York

Capital: Albany

Median household income $81,386 · winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days

NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

New York has an overall price level 107.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
New York
107.9
New York has 2.0% higher overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
New York
122.2
New York has 4.6% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
New York
102.0
New York has 0.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
New York
101.2
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
New York
28.6 ¢/kWh
New York has 5.5% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
New York
101.6
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
New York
$449,800
New York is 26% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
New York
$1,530/mo
New York is 3.4% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
New York
84°F
New York is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
New York
24°F
New York is 9.1% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
New York
47°F
New York is 2.7% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
New York
184
New York has 8.0% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
New York
43 in
New York is 13% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
New York
39
New York has 34% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
New York
76 in
New York is 52% more annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsNew York 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 New York than Massachusetts?

New York's overall price level is roughly 109.5 (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 York tops out at 10.9%.

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

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

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