Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Massachusetts to Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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.

VA state flag
Moving to

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

Virginia has an overall price level 101.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
Virginia
101.1
Virginia has 4.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Virginia
106.8
Virginia has 17% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Virginia
100.3
Virginia has 1.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 44% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 0.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Virginia
$403,500
Virginia is 34% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Virginia is 2.8% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
Virginia
87°F
Virginia is 6.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Virginia
28°F
Virginia is 27% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Virginia
56°F
Virginia is 15% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Virginia
208
Virginia has 4.0% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Virginia
44 in
Virginia is 9.8% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Virginia
41
Virginia has 41% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Virginia
15 in
Virginia is 70% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsVirginia 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 Virginia than Massachusetts?

Virginia's overall price level is roughly 100.4 (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. Virginia tops out at 5.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Virginia?

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

Related comparisons