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Moving from New York to Massachusetts

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

NY state flag
Living now

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.

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 York
107.9
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 2.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
New York
122.2
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 4.8% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New York
102.0
Massachusetts
101.4
Massachusetts has 0.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New York
101.2
Massachusetts
100.9
Electricity rate
New York
28.6 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 5.8% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New York
101.6
Massachusetts
101.2
Median home value
New York
$449,800
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 35% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New York
$1,530/mo
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Massachusetts is 3.3% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
New York
84°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 2.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New York
24°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 8.3% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New York
47°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 2.8% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New York
184
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 8.7% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
New York
43 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Massachusetts is 15% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New York
39
Massachusetts
29
Massachusetts has 26% lower AQI
Snow / year
New York
76 in
Massachusetts
50 in
Massachusetts is 34% less annual snowfall

Get the full New YorkMassachusetts report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts than New York?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.5 for New York — 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 York tops out at 10.9% 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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