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Moving from Washington to Massachusetts

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side. vs. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

WA state flag
Living now

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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
Washington
107.0
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 1.2% lower overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 1.7% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Washington
101.8
Massachusetts
98.8
Massachusetts has 2.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
Massachusetts
100.9
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 105% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
Massachusetts
101.2
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 0.9% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,824/mo
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Massachusetts is 1.3% 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
Washington
79°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 3.8% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 37% less winter lows
Sunny days / year
Washington
49.8
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 302% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
152 in
Massachusetts
47 in
Massachusetts is 69% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
39.9
Massachusetts
46
Massachusetts has 15% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Washington
20
Massachusetts
0
Massachusetts has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Washington
4 in
Massachusetts
25 in
Massachusetts is 525% more annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonMassachusetts 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 Washington?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington, 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?

Washington tops out at 0% 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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