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Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

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

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

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

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 4.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 20% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Virginia
100.4
Massachusetts
98.8
Massachusetts has 1.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.4 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 69% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 0.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 51% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,646/mo
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Massachusetts is 12% 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
Virginia
87°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 5.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 21% less winter lows
Sunny days / year
Virginia
55.7
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 259% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
208 in
Massachusetts
47 in
Massachusetts is 77% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
44
Massachusetts
46
Massachusetts has 4.5% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Virginia
41
Massachusetts
0
Massachusetts has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Virginia
0 in
Massachusetts
25 in

Get the full VirginiaMassachusetts 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 Virginia?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia, 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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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