Factors affecting the cost of moving from NJ to MA
There are many factors that influence
New Jersey moving costs.
The cost to move from New Jersey to Massachusetts will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Time of year: The peak moving season
in New Jersey 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 NJ to MA
If you’re moving to Massachusetts from New Jersey, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: New Jersey vs. Massachusetts
|
New Jersey |
Massachusetts |
Average rent cost |
$1,368 |
$1,588 |
Average home cost |
$534,773 |
$623,131 |
Average income (per capita) |
$97,126 |
$96,505 |
Cost of Living Index |
114 |
100 |
Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
3.9% |
Average Sales Tax |
6.6% |
6.25% |
State Income Tax |
10.7% |
9.0% |
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Rent is about 16% more expensive in Massachusetts than in New Jersey.
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Home prices are about 17% higher in Massachusetts than in New Jersey.
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The average income is about the same in Massachusetts and New Jersey.
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Cost of living is 12% lower in Massachusetts than in New Jersey.
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Massachusetts has a lower unemployment rate than New Jersey by about 17%.
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Sales taxes are 5% lower in Massachusetts than in New Jersey.
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Income taxes are 16% lower in Massachusetts than in New Jersey.
How life is different in Massachusetts vs. New Jersey
|
Massachusetts |
New Jersey |
Population |
7,001,399 |
9,290,841 |
Political leaning |
Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
Democratic 52-46.1 |
Summer high |
82ºF |
85ºF |
Winter low |
16ºF |
22ºF |
Annual rain |
49" |
48" |
Annual snow |
47" |
23" |
Crime index |
13.92 |
16.2 |
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The population of Massachusetts is approximately 25% lower than the population of New Jersey.
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In the last presidential election, Massachusetts voted Democratic and New Jersey voted Democratic.
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The average high in the summertime in Massachusetts is 82ºF
and in New Jersey, it’s 85ºF.
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During the coldest part of the year, Massachusetts reaches the temperature of 16ºF
and New Jersey gets down to 22ºF.
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You can expect about 49 inches of annual rainfall in Massachusetts versus 48 inches of rainfall in New Jersey.
-
In Massachusetts, it snows about 47 inches annually
versus 23 inches of snow in New Jersey.
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Massachusetts has a lower crime rate than New Jersey with a crime index
of 13.92 vs. 16.2.
Comparing the pros of New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
Pros of living in New Jersey |
Pros of living in Massachusetts |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Natural beauty |
Diversity |
Excellent education system |
World-class entertainment |
Delicious seafood |
Leading education |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Superb health care |
Home to Boston |
Comparing the cons of living in New Jersey 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 New Jersey for Massachusetts.
Cons of living in New Jersey |
Cons of living in Massachusetts |
Extreme weather |
Bad traffic |
Congested population |
Poor driving conditions |
High cost of living |
Harsh winter weather |
High tax burden |
High cost of living |
Terrible traffic |
Peculiar liquor laws |
Other things to consider for your New Jersey to Massachusetts move
- 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.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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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.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
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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.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Massachusetts moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
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.
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.
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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 Massachusetts
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from New Jersey to Massachusetts?
Do movers transport your car from New Jersey to Massachusetts?
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 New Jersey to Massachusetts
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts?
The main reasons people are moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts are the amazing upsides of living in Massachusetts such as
natural beauty and excellent education system.
Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or Massachusetts?
It is generally cheaper to live in New Jersey than in Massachusetts.
Housing
is more affordable in New Jersey,
with average rent about 14% less
and home prices 14% lower than in Massachusetts.
However, taxes are lower in Massachusetts, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 10% less than those paid by
New Jersey residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Massachusetts?
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
New Jersey moving services
Popular New Jersey routes