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Moving from Massachusetts to North Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

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.

NC state flag
Moving to

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh

Median household income $66,186 · winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days

Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

North Carolina has an overall price level 94.3 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
North Carolina
94.3
North Carolina has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
North Carolina
81.4
North Carolina has 36% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Massachusetts
98.8
North Carolina
96.6
North Carolina has 2.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
North Carolina
99.1
North Carolina has 1.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
North Carolina
16.3 ¢/kWh
North Carolina has 45% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
North Carolina
98.9
North Carolina has 2.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
North Carolina
$333,000
North Carolina is 45% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
North Carolina
$1,338/mo
North Carolina is 28% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
North Carolina
88°F
North Carolina is 7.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
North Carolina
30°F
North Carolina is 36% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
200°F
North Carolina
59°F
North Carolina is 71% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
North Carolina
213
North Carolina has 353% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
North Carolina
50 in
North Carolina is 7.8% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
North Carolina
54
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
North Carolina
0
North Carolina has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
6 in

Get the full MassachusettsNorth Carolina 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 North Carolina than Massachusetts?

North Carolina's overall price level is roughly 95 (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. North Carolina tops out at 3.99%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in North Carolina?

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

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