Factors influencing moving costs from Spokane to Boston
What to know before moving from Spokane to Boston
Moving from Spokane to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Boston is generally more expensive than Spokane, itโs 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:
Spokane | Boston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,450 | $3,400 |
Average home value | $375,614 | $739,121 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,801 | $89,212 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,556 | $4,820 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,270 | $11,304 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 9.0% |
- Rent prices in Boston are 135% higher than in Spokane, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Spokane.
Home prices in Boston are 96.8% higher than in Spokane. - Income in Boston is 46.7% higher than in Spokane, 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 88.6% higher than in Spokane. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 80.3% higher than in Spokane.
- The unemployment rate in Boston is 6.06% lower than in Spokane.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Boston are 30.56% lower than in Spokane.
- State income taxes in Boston are 9.00% higher than in Spokane.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,657.28 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Spokane.
How life is different in Spokane vs. Boston
Boston | Spokane | |
---|---|---|
Population | 675,647 | 593,466 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
Walkability score | 98 | 49 |
Bike friendliness score | 86 | 52 |
Crime Index | 39.88 | 3.0 |
Safety Index | 60.12 | 44.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Boston's population is about 14% greater than Spokane.
- Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Spokane's lower score of 6.
- Boston is more walkable than Spokane with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Spokane's 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Spokane, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Boston's crime rate is higher than Spokane with a score of 39.88 compared to Spokane's 3.0. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Spokane neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Boston is considered to be safer than Spokane with a safety index of 60.12 vs Spokane's 44.94.
- Air quality in Boston is good, and in Spokane it's good.
Other things to consider for your Spokane 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 โ 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 companyโs license in Massachusetts, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Massachusetts doesnโt 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.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
Things to do in Boston
Now that you've made the move to Massachusetts, itโs the perfect time to explore Boston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Boston?
The best time to move from Spokane to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Spokane.
When is the cheapest time to move from Spokane to Boston?
Because most people are moving from Spokane to Boston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Spokane to Boston take?
The 2,745-mile move from Spokane, WA, to Boston, MA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Spokane movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.