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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 (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Massachusetts
101.4
Massachusetts has 1.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 77% 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
$1,520/mo
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Massachusetts is 2.7% 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
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
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 13% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 3.8% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Massachusetts is 11% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Massachusetts
29
Massachusetts has 29% lower AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Massachusetts
50 in
Massachusetts is 233% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaMassachusetts 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 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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