($1,461) Movers From Memphis, TN to Boston, MA

What to know before moving from Memphis to Boston

Moving from Memphis to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Boston is generally more expensive than Memphis, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Boston are 162% higher than in Memphis, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
  Home prices in Boston are 414.3% higher than in Memphis.
• Income in Boston is 85.5% higher than in Memphis, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 161.7% higher than in Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 156.8% higher than in Memphis.
• The unemployment rate in Boston is 22.50% lower than in Memphis.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the city’s sales taxes in Boston are 35.90% lower than in Memphis.
• State income taxes in Boston are 9.00% higher than in Memphis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,850.16 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.

How life is different in Memphis vs. Boston

• Boston's population is about 7% greater than Memphis.
• Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Memphis's lower score of 4.
• Boston is more walkable than Memphis with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Boston's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 39.88 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
• Boston is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 60.12 vs Memphis's 22.51.
• Air quality in Boston is good, and in Memphis it's good.

Other things to consider for your Memphis vs. Boston move

• Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Massachusetts, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Massachusetts doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Boston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Boston

With your sights set on "Athens of America", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Boston.

Helpful moving resources