Factors affecting the cost of moving from MA to NH
There are many factors that influence
Massachusetts moving costs.
The cost to move from Massachusetts to New Hampshire will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
-
Time of year: The peak moving season
in Massachusetts is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from MA to NH
If you’re moving to New Hampshire from Massachusetts, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire
|
Massachusetts |
New Hampshire |
| Average rent cost |
$1,588 |
$1,336 |
| Average home cost |
$623,131 |
$478,955 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$96,505 |
$90,845 |
| Cost of Living Index |
100 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.9% |
2.1% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.25% |
0.0% |
| State Income Tax |
9.0% |
4.0% |
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Rent is about 16% less expensive in New Hampshire than in Massachusetts.
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Home prices are about 23% lower in New Hampshire than in Massachusetts.
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The average income is about 6% lower in New Hampshire than in Massachusetts.
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Cost of living is about the same in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
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New Hampshire has a lower unemployment rate than Massachusetts by about 46%.
-
Sales taxes are 100% lower in New Hampshire than in Massachusetts.
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Income taxes are 56% lower in New Hampshire than in Massachusetts.
How life is different in New Hampshire vs. Massachusetts
|
New Hampshire |
Massachusetts |
| Population |
1,402,054 |
7,001,399 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 50.8-48.1 |
Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high |
80ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
9ºF |
16ºF |
| Annual rain |
46" |
49" |
| Annual snow |
68" |
47" |
| Crime index |
11.37 |
13.92 |
-
The population of New Hampshire is approximately 80% lower than the population of Massachusetts.
-
In the last presidential election, New Hampshire voted Democratic and Massachusetts voted Democratic.
-
The average high in the summertime in New Hampshire is 80ºF
and in Massachusetts, it’s 82ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, New Hampshire reaches the temperature of 9ºF
and Massachusetts gets down to 16ºF.
-
You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in New Hampshire versus 49 inches of rainfall in Massachusetts.
-
In New Hampshire, it snows about 68 inches annually
versus 47 inches of snow in Massachusetts.
-
New Hampshire has a lower crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index
of 11.37 vs. 13.92.
Comparing the pros of Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in New Hampshire compared to Massachusetts.
| Pros of living in Massachusetts |
Pros of living in New Hampshire |
| Natural beauty |
Natural beauty |
| Excellent education system |
Tranquil |
| Delicious seafood |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
No sales tax |
| Home to Boston |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Massachusetts for New Hampshire.
| Cons of living in Massachusetts |
Cons of living in New Hampshire |
| Bad traffic |
Long harsh winters |
| Poor driving conditions |
Limited diversity |
| Harsh winter weather |
Heavy traffic |
| High cost of living |
Few urban amenities |
| Peculiar liquor laws |
High cost of living |
Other things to consider for your Massachusetts to New Hampshire move
- Weather: New Hampshire has warm, humid summers, and long, cold, and snowy winters. Winters are cold and snowy throughout the state, and especially severe in the northern and mountainous areas. Average annual snowfall ranges from 60 inches to over 100 inches across the state.
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
-
State licensing:
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing movers that offer relocation services within the state.
If you’ve already moved and had a dispute with your moving company, they may be able to help resolve the issue, but you’ll need to file a formal complaint first. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a New Hampshire moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
New Hampshire does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to New Hampshire.
Get started here.
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Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
Choose Released Value Protection for a cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in New Hampshire
While you’re in New Hampshire, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Mount Washington Auto Road
- Conway Scenic Railroad
- Castle in the Clouds
- Hampton Beach
- Lakes Region
- Mount Monadnock
- Polar Caves Park
- Kancamagus Highway
- Franconia Notch State Park
- Winnipesaukee
- Strawbery Banke Museum
- Story Land
- Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
- Clark’s Bears
- Isles of Shoals
- Prescott Park
- Currier Museum of Art
- Santa’s Village
- Attitash Mountain Resort
- Bretton Woods Mountain Resort
Helpful moving resources
Massachusetts moving services
Popular Massachusetts routes
Best overall value
