Median Household Income
$104,775
National average: $83,894
25% above national average
Moving From Massachusetts
Whether you're leaving the Boston metro for more affordable housing, relocating from Worcester for a career change, or heading south after years in New England — planning a long-distance move from Massachusetts starts with understanding costs, timing, and which movers serve your route. Below you'll find real data on what Massachusetts residents pay, where they're moving, and how to compare screened movers for free.
11,578,970
Population
$104,775
Median Income
$634,717
Median Home
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11,578,970
Population
$104,775
Median Income
$634,717
Median Home Value
29.1 minutes
Commute Time
48.5%
College Educated
12.8%
Poverty Rate
Overview
Why People Are Moving Out of Massachusetts
Massachusetts has been losing domestic residents to other states for years, even as international immigration and a strong economy keep the overall population relatively stable. The outflow is driven by a single overriding factor: cost. Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states in the country, with housing costs in the Boston metro that rival San Francisco. The median home price in Greater Boston exceeds $600,000, and even outlying areas like Worcester and Springfield have seen significant appreciation.
The economy is one of the strongest in the nation. Boston is a global hub for biotech, technology, healthcare, higher education, and financial services. The concentration of universities — Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Northeastern, Tufts, and dozens of others — creates a constant pipeline of talent and innovation. Wages are high, and the job market is robust across multiple sectors.
But the high wages don't fully compensate for the high costs. Massachusetts recently added a millionaire's tax (4% surtax on income over $1 million), bringing the top effective rate to 9%. Property taxes are above the national average, and the state's energy costs are among the highest in the country. When a household earning $200,000 still struggles to buy a home in a good school district, the financial pressure to leave becomes intense.
The most common outmigration involves young families priced out of homeownership, remote workers who can keep Boston salaries while living in lower-cost states, retirees heading to Florida or the Carolinas, and workers moving to New Hampshire, which offers no income tax just across the border.
Cost of Living
How Massachusetts Compares
Key financial metrics for Massachusetts residents versus the national average.
Median Home Value
$634,717
National average: $447,430
42% above national average
Rent Burden
36%
National average: 33%
9% above national average
Median Age
38.1
National average: 37.6
1% above national average
Commute Time
29.1 minutes
National average: 26.4 minutes
10% above national average
College Educated
48.5%
National average: 38.3%
27% above national average
Massachusetts has one of the highest costs of living in the country, driven by housing in the Boston metro. Rents in Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline rival Manhattan for price per square foot. Beyond housing, childcare, healthcare, energy, and transportation costs all exceed national averages. Western Massachusetts (Springfield, Pittsfield) is significantly more affordable, but with a smaller job market. When comparing Massachusetts to a destination state, the housing differential is usually the most dramatic factor — a $700,000 Massachusetts home often translates to a $300,000–$400,000 home in most other markets.
Largest Cities
Top Cities in Massachusetts
Key stats for the largest metro areas in Massachusetts. These are the cities most movers service on routes out of the state.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 4,453,352 | $97,344 | $731,629 |
| Worcester | 496,386 | $70,102 | $373,896 |
| Springfield | 439,199 | $52,656 | $245,006 |
| New Bedford | 160,431 | $56,981 | $357,023 |
| Cambridge | 118,796 | $130,748 | $1,089,316 |
| Lowell | 118,368 | $78,658 | $429,220 |
| Leominster | 110,022 | $83,816 | $378,852 |
| Brockton | 105,386 | $80,115 | $438,243 |
| Quincy | 102,114 | $98,882 | $618,474 |
| Lynn | 101,709 | $75,043 | $510,587 |
| Fall River | 94,082 | $56,673 | $395,975 |
| Newton | 89,044 | $190,304 | $1,267,791 |
| Lawrence | 88,736 | $60,433 | $416,045 |
| Somerville | 81,036 | $132,572 | $911,123 |
| Framingham | 72,399 | $107,419 | $627,077 |
City Profiles
Moving From Key Massachusetts Cities
What movers and residents should know about the largest metro areas in Massachusetts.
Boston
Pop. 4,453,352 Income $97,344 Home $731,629
Boston is the state capital and economic engine, home to world-class hospitals, universities, and a booming tech and biotech sector. Moving from Boston involves significant urban logistics: parking permits must be obtained from the city, buildings in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the Seaport have strict move-in/out windows, and September 1 is the busiest moving day in America due to college leases turning over. Avoid moving on September 1 if at all possible. The I-93 and I-90 corridors provide primary routes out of the city.
Read full Boston guide →Worcester
Pop. 496,386 Income $70,102 Home $373,896
Worcester is the second-largest city in New England, positioned about an hour west of Boston on I-90. The city has undergone a revitalization driven by healthcare, education (WPI, Clark, Holy Cross), and a growing biotech presence. Worcester has been a more affordable alternative to Boston, though prices have risen as commuters push west. Moves from Worcester commonly head to New Hampshire, the Carolinas, or Florida.
Read full Worcester guide →Springfield
Pop. 439,199 Income $52,656 Home $245,006
Springfield is the largest city in western Massachusetts, with an economy built on healthcare, education, and financial services (MassMutual). The cost of living is significantly lower than eastern Massachusetts. Moves from Springfield often head to Connecticut, New York, or southward. The I-91 corridor provides north-south routing, and I-90 connects east to Boston and west to Albany.
Cambridge
Pop. 118,796 Income $130,748 Home $1,089,316
Cambridge is home to Harvard and MIT and has become the biotech capital of the world, with Kendall Square hosting hundreds of pharmaceutical and tech companies. It's one of the most expensive cities in Massachusetts. Residents leaving Cambridge are often cashing out of a high-cost lifestyle and deploying their savings in lower-cost markets. The move is frequently to cities with growing tech and biotech sectors: Raleigh, Austin, San Diego, or Denver.
Lowell
Pop. 118,368 Income $78,658 Home $429,220
Lowell is a former mill city about 30 miles northwest of Boston that has reinvented itself as a diverse, affordable alternative within the Greater Boston orbit. UMass Lowell anchors the local economy alongside healthcare and manufacturing. Many Lowell residents who leave head to southern New Hampshire — Nashua and Manchester are nearby and offer no income tax. The move north across the state line is short, affordable, and popular for tax-conscious families.
Planning Your Move
What to Know Before Leaving Massachusetts
What Your Move Will Likely Cost
Moving out of Massachusetts typically costs $2,000–$7,000 for a 2-bedroom household, depending on distance. Moves to neighboring states like New Hampshire, Connecticut, or Rhode Island run $800–$2,500, while moves to Florida or the Southeast range from $3,000–$6,500. Boston area moves carry a premium due to urban logistics. Getting 3–5 quotes is essential.
Avoid September 1 at All Costs
September 1 is the single busiest moving day in Boston — thousands of leases turn over simultaneously due to the academic calendar. Moving companies are booked months in advance, prices are at peak, and the streets are chaos. If you can choose your move date, avoid August 31 through September 2. Even shifting by one week can save hundreds and dramatically reduce stress.
Boston Urban Moving Logistics
Moving from a Boston apartment requires advance planning. You'll need a parking permit from the city for the moving truck. Buildings in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the South End, and the Seaport often have specific move-out windows, elevator reservations, and COI requirements. Narrow streets, double-parked cars, and one-way roads add complexity. Budget extra time and communicate logistics clearly with your mover.
Taxes and Financial Factors
Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax, plus a 4% surtax on income over $1 million. Property taxes average about 1.2%. If moving to New Hampshire (no income tax, no sales tax), the savings are immediate and significant. Florida, Texas, and Tennessee also offer no income tax. Even a move to Rhode Island or Connecticut may not save much on taxes, as those states have similar rates.
Downsizing Before Your Move
Long-distance movers charge by weight and volume. Massachusetts apartments tend to be smaller, which means less stuff — but houses in the suburbs with basements, attics, and garages accumulate plenty. Start decluttering six weeks before your move. The Boston-area resale market is active. Reducing your shipment by 1,000 pounds saves $300–$500.
Utilities and Address Changes
Before leaving Massachusetts, schedule disconnects with National Grid, Eversource, or your local utility. File a change of address with USPS. Update your address with the Massachusetts RMV, DOR, your bank, insurance providers, and subscription services.
Timeline
Your Massachusetts Moving Timeline
1
8 Weeks Before
Research and compare movers
Start collecting quotes from licensed interstate movers. If moving from Boston, book early — especially near September 1. Verify USDOT numbers and check FMCSA records.
2
6 Weeks Before
Declutter and create an inventory
Go room by room. If in a Boston apartment, focus on eliminating large items that are hard to navigate through narrow hallways. Create a detailed inventory.
3
4 Weeks Before
Book your mover and handle building logistics
Lock in your moving company. If in a Boston building, confirm move-out procedures, elevator reservations, COI requirements, and parking permits.
4
3 Weeks Before
Start packing non-essentials
Begin with seasonal items, books, decor, and anything you won't need before moving day. Label every box clearly.
5
2 Weeks Before
Transfer utilities and update your address
Schedule disconnects with National Grid or Eversource. File a USPS change of address. Notify the Massachusetts RMV and DOR.
6
1 Week Before
Confirm everything with your mover
Reconfirm the pickup window, building access details, and parking arrangements. Pack an essentials box.
7
Moving Day
Supervise loading and document condition
Be present for loading. Note conditions on the inventory sheet. Take photos of valuable items. Confirm delivery details.
8
First Week After
Settle in and handle paperwork
Register your vehicle and update your driver's license in your new state. Transfer car insurance. File your Massachusetts part-year tax return when tax season arrives.
Demographics
Massachusetts at a Glance
Household Income
Under $25K 15.5%
$25K–50K 12.6%
$50K–75K 11.7%
$75K–100K 10.5%
$100K–150K 16.8%
$150K+ 33%
Age Distribution
Under 20 21.6%
20–29 16.6%
30–39 15.4%
40–49 11.6%
50–59 12.3%
60+ 22.4%
Education Level
Less than High School 10%
High School 21.6%
Some College 19.9%
Bachelor's Degree 25.9%
Graduate Degree 22.5%
Massachusetts has one of the most educated populations in the country — the share of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher is among the top three states nationally. Household incomes are well above the national median, driven by the concentration of tech, biotech, healthcare, and financial services. But when adjusted for cost of living, the income advantage shrinks significantly. The age distribution skews younger in Boston (driven by the student population) and older in western Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Income distribution shows strong representation in upper brackets alongside significant poverty in cities like Springfield and parts of Boston. The state's demographic profile drives its migration patterns: the educated, high-earning population creates constant demand for housing that pushes out those who can't compete.
State Comparisons
How Massachusetts Compares to Popular Moving Destinations
Side-by-side data for the states most Massachusetts residents move to.
Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire
| Metric | Massachusetts | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $104,775 | $102,440 |
| Median Home Value | $634,717 | $423,914 |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 42.8 |
| Commute Time | 29.1 minutes | 26.2 minutes |
| College Educated | 48.5% | 42% |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% | 7.5% |
New Hampshire is the most popular destination for Massachusetts residents: cross the border, keep your job, and stop paying state income tax. Southern New Hampshire towns like Nashua, Manchester, Salem, and Derry offer easy commutes to the Boston metro with dramatically lower taxes. Housing is cheaper than eastern Massachusetts but has risen with demand. There's no sales tax either. The cultural transition is minimal — it's still New England.
Massachusetts vs. Florida
| Metric | Massachusetts | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $104,775 | $73,239 |
| Median Home Value | $634,717 | $406,275 |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 41 |
| Commute Time | 29.1 minutes | 27.2 minutes |
| College Educated | 48.5% | 36.1% |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% | 14.7% |
Florida draws Massachusetts retirees and remote workers with no income tax and warm weather year-round. The Boston-to-Florida migration is one of the country's classic moving corridors. Tampa, Naples, Fort Myers, and the Palm Beaches are popular destinations. The I-95 route is heavily serviced, keeping pricing competitive. Housing in Florida is comparable to many Massachusetts suburbs, but the income tax savings and elimination of heating costs make the move financially attractive.
Massachusetts vs. North Carolina
| Metric | Massachusetts | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $104,775 | $76,772 |
| Median Home Value | $634,717 | $338,786 |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 36.8 |
| Commute Time | 29.1 minutes | 23.3 minutes |
| College Educated | 48.5% | 42.5% |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% | 13.7% |
North Carolina draws Massachusetts families seeking lower costs, milder weather, and a growing economy. The Research Triangle's biotech and tech sectors attract Boston-area professionals who can transition their careers seamlessly. Charlotte offers finance and corporate jobs. Housing costs are roughly half of eastern Massachusetts. North Carolina's income tax is lower, and the overall cost of living is significantly less.
Massachusetts vs. Rhode Island
| Metric | Massachusetts | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $104,775 | $80,150 |
| Median Home Value | $634,717 | $392,965 |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 37.1 |
| Commute Time | 29.1 minutes | 25.3 minutes |
| College Educated | 48.5% | 36.4% |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% | 15.7% |
Rhode Island draws Massachusetts residents from the southeastern part of the state seeking a similar New England lifestyle at lower housing costs. Providence has a charming downtown, strong food scene, and growing economy. The move isn't about tax savings — it's about housing affordability and lifestyle. The short distance makes it one of the easiest moves from Massachusetts.
Massachusetts vs. Texas
| Metric | Massachusetts | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $104,775 | $76,235 |
| Median Home Value | $634,717 | $304,205 |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 34.7 |
| Commute Time | 29.1 minutes | 25.4 minutes |
| College Educated | 48.5% | 35.6% |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% | 15.8% |
Texas draws Massachusetts professionals with no income tax, lower housing costs, and a booming economy. Austin's tech scene has attracted significant Boston-area talent, and Dallas and Houston offer corporate and healthcare careers. A $700,000 Massachusetts home equivalent might cost $350,000 in many Texas suburbs. The cultural and climate adjustment is significant, but the financial impact is among the most dramatic moves a Massachusetts resident can make.
Common Routes
Where People From Massachusetts Move
The most popular destinations for residents leaving Massachusetts, based on migration patterns.
NH
New Hampshire
Popular cities: Nashua, Manchester, Portsmouth, Dover
FL
Florida
Popular cities: Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville
NC
North Carolina
Popular cities: Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Durham
RI
Rhode Island
Popular cities: Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket
TX
Texas
Popular cities: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin
FAQ
Common Questions About Moving From Massachusetts
How much does it cost to move out of Massachusetts?
Moves to New Hampshire, Connecticut, or Rhode Island run $800–$2,500 for a 2-bedroom. Florida moves run $3,000–$6,500. Cross-country runs $5,000–$9,000. Boston moves carry an urban logistics premium. Get 3–5 quotes.
Where do most people from Massachusetts move to?
New Hampshire is the top destination (tax savings with minimal disruption). Florida draws retirees. North Carolina attracts families. Rhode Island and Connecticut draw those staying in New England. Texas attracts professionals.
Why is September 1 the worst day to move in Boston?
Boston's lease cycle is tied to the September 1 academic calendar. Thousands of apartments turn over on the same day, creating extreme demand. Prices spike, streets are clogged, and movers are booked months in advance. Avoid August 31 through September 2.
How much do I save by moving to New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has no income tax and no sales tax. A Massachusetts household earning $150,000 saves roughly $7,500 per year in state income tax alone. Housing costs are lower in many southern New Hampshire communities. Total savings can exceed $10,000–$15,000 annually.
How do I choose a mover?
Compare at least 3 quotes. Verify USDOT numbers and FMCSA records. For Boston moves, ensure the mover handles urban logistics. MoveFinch screens movers for Massachusetts routes.
How long does a move from Massachusetts take?
Moves to New England neighbors take 1–2 days. Florida moves take 3–5 days. Cross-country takes 7–14 days. Get delivery windows in writing.
Do I need a parking permit for my moving truck in Boston?
Yes. Apply through Boston 311 at least 48 hours in advance (earlier is better). The permit reserves street space for your moving truck.
Do I need to update my driver's license?
Yes. Most states require a new license within 30 to 90 days. Bring your Massachusetts license, proof of new address, identity documents, and Social Security card.
What about the Massachusetts millionaire's tax?
Massachusetts added a 4% surtax on income over $1 million, bringing the top rate to 9%. If you earn over $1 million, the tax savings of moving to a no-income-tax state are dramatic. Consult a tax advisor about timing.
What should I look for in a moving contract?
Look for a binding estimate, detailed inventory, delivery windows, total price, and liability coverage. For Boston moves, confirm the mover's experience with urban logistics.
Making the Decision to Leave Massachusetts
Leaving Massachusetts means walking away from one of the strongest economies, best-educated populations, and most historically rich states in the country. Boston's biotech and tech sectors are world-leading. The healthcare institutions are among the finest anywhere. And the cultural assets — from Cape Cod to the Berkshires, from the Freedom Trail to Fenway Park — create a sense of place that resonates deeply.
But the cost has become the central issue. When families earning $200,000 can't afford a home in a good school district, and when the state keeps adding taxes rather than addressing affordability — the financial pressure to leave becomes intense. New Hampshire is right there, offering the same New England experience without the income tax.
If you're considering a move, start with accurate cost estimates for your route. Compare the full financial picture — taxes, housing, energy, and childcare — against your destination. The right move can free up tens of thousands of dollars annually. Just make sure you're not trading something irreplaceable for a lower tax bill.
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