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Moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts

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

NJ state flag
Living now

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

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

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

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Jersey
108.8
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 2.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
New Jersey
134.3
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 4.6% lower housing costs
Groceries index
New Jersey
107.1
Massachusetts
98.8
Massachusetts has 7.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Jersey
101.3
Massachusetts
100.9
Electricity rate
New Jersey
23.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 25% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Jersey
101.8
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 0.6% lower transportation
Median home value
New Jersey
$496,000
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 22% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Jersey
$1,800/mo
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Massachusetts is 2.7% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Jersey
86°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 4.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Jersey
24°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 8.3% less winter lows
Sunny days / year
New Jersey
52.6
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 280% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Jersey
207 in
Massachusetts
47 in
Massachusetts is 77% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Jersey
47.5
Massachusetts
46
Massachusetts has 3.2% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
New Jersey
50
Massachusetts
0
Massachusetts has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
New Jersey
1 in
Massachusetts
25 in
Massachusetts is 2400% more annual snowfall

Get the full New JerseyMassachusetts 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 Massachusetts than New Jersey?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 110.5 for New Jersey, 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?

New Jersey tops out at 10.75% income tax. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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