Factors affecting the cost of moving from NC to MAtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Carolina moving costs. The cost to move from North Carolina to Massachusetts 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 North Carolina 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 NC to MA

If you’re moving to Massachusetts from North Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: North Carolina vs. Massachusetts

North Carolina Massachusetts
Average rent cost $1,093 $1,588
Average home cost $328,715 $623,131
Average income (per capita) $66,186 $96,505
Cost of Living Index 96 100
Unemployment rate 3.7% 3.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.98% 6.25%
State Income Tax 4.5% 9.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 45% more expensive in Massachusetts than in North Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 90% higher in Massachusetts than in North Carolina.
  • The average income is about 46% higher in Massachusetts than in North Carolina.
  • Cost of living is 4% lower in Massachusetts than in North Carolina.
  • Massachusetts has a higher unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 5%.
  • Sales taxes are 10% lower in Massachusetts than in North Carolina.
  • Income taxes are 100% higher in Massachusetts than in North Carolina.

How life is different in Massachusetts vs. North Carolina

Massachusetts North Carolina
Population 7,001,399 10,835,491
Political leaning Democratic 61.5-36.3 Republican 51-49
Summer high 82ºF 88ºF
Winter low 16ºF 29ºF
Annual rain 49" 48"
Annual snow 47" 4"
Crime index 13.92 24.69
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Massachusetts is approximately 35% lower than the population of North Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, Massachusetts voted Democratic and North Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Massachusetts is 82ºF and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Massachusetts reaches the temperature of 16ºF and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
  • You can expect about 49 inches of annual rainfall in Massachusetts versus 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
  • In Massachusetts, it snows about 47 inches annually versus 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
  • Massachusetts has a lower crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index of 13.92 vs. 24.69.

Comparing the pros of North Carolina vs. Massachusetts

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Massachusetts compared to North Carolina.

Pros of living in North Carolina Pros of living in Massachusetts
Great communities Natural beauty
Low cost of living Excellent education system
Ample economic opportunity Delicious seafood
High quality of life Bountiful recreational opportunities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Home to Boston

Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina vs. Massachusetts

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 North Carolina for Massachusetts.

Cons of living in North Carolina Cons of living in Massachusetts
Hurricanes Bad traffic
Bland weather Poor driving conditions
High crime rate Harsh winter weather
High tax burden High cost of living
Poor education Peculiar liquor laws

Other things to consider for your North Carolina to Massachusetts movetoggle

  • Weather: Most of Massachusetts has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Far southeast coastal areas are the broad transition zone to Humid Subtropical climates. The warm to hot summers render the oceanic climate rare in this transition, only applying to exposed coastal areas such as on the peninsula of Barnstable County. The climate of Boston is quite representative for the commonwealth, characterized by summer highs of around 81 °F (27 °C) and winter highs of 35 °F (2 °C), and is quite wet. Frosts are frequent all winter, even in coastal areas due to prevailing inland winds. Due to its location near the Atlantic, Massachusetts is vulnerable to nor'easters, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
  • 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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 Massachusetts. Get started here.
  • 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. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Massachusettstoggle

While you’re in Massachusetts, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • 1: Freedom Trail
  • 2: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  • 3: Norman Rockwell Museum
  • 4: Cape Cod Beaches
  • 5: Fenway Park
  • 6: Nantucket
  • 7: Tanglewood Concerts
  • 8: Plimoth Patuxet Museums
  • 9: Old Sturbridge Village
  • 10: Salem Witch Museum
  • 11: Museum of Fine Arts
  • 12: Peabody Essex Museum
  • 13: The House of the Seven Gables
  • 14: New Bedford Whaling Museum
  • 15: New England Aquarium
  • 16: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
  • 17: Massachusetts State House
  • 18: Harvard Square
  • 19: Bunker Hill Monument
  • 20: Adams National Historical Park
  • 21: Minute Man National Historical Park
  • 22: Martha’s Vineyard
  • 23: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • 24: Hammond Castle Museum
  • 25: Mount Greylock
  • 26: Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
  • 27: The Mapparium
  • 28: Danvers State Hospital
  • 29: Bash Bish Falls
  • 30: Singing Beach
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from North Carolina to Massachusetts?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Carolina moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from North Carolina to Massachusetts?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from North Carolina to Massachusetts separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from North Carolina to Massachusetts?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from North Carolina to Massachusetts are the amazing upsides of living in Massachusetts such as natural beauty and excellent education system.

Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Massachusetts?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in North Carolina than in Massachusetts. Housing is much more affordable in North Carolina, with average rent about 31% less and home prices 47% lower than in Massachusetts. Taxes are also lower in North Carolina, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Massachusetts residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Massachusetts?toggle

You should make approximately $78,378 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Massachusetts. The cost of living in Massachusetts is approximately $4,255 per month for an individual and $9,816 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Massachusetts you live For example, larger cities like Boston and Worcester will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

North Carolina moving services

Popular North Carolina routes

Popular moving resources