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Moving from Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a cost-of-living index of 147.8 and average monthly electricity bills of $167, among the highest in the country.

  • The state consistently ranks in the top five for outbound migration among high-cost states.
  • This page covers every Massachusetts-origin route we track.
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Massachusetts at a Glance

Taxes

State income tax5%
State sales tax6.25%
Property tax (eff.)1%

Climate

Avg annual temp47°F
Annual precipitation48″

Humid continental with cold winters and warm, humid summers.

Cost of Living

COL index147.8 (US=100)
Avg electric bill$167/mo

Why People Move from Massachusetts

Boston's housing market is the primary pressure point: median home prices in Greater Boston exceed $700,000, and rents in Cambridge, Somerville, and the inner suburbs rival San Francisco in some categories.

  • The state income tax at 5.0% is moderate, but sits on top of high local property taxes and the region's highest utility costs.

Massachusetts outbound movers distribute widely: New Hampshire is the most common destination (no income tax, 60-minute drive from Boston), followed by Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia.

  • The New Hampshire route is primarily cost arbitrage; longer-distance routes often reflect remote work or career moves.

Popular Routes Moving from Massachusetts

Massachusetts → New HampshireMassachusetts → ConnecticutMassachusetts → IdahoMassachusetts → LouisianaMassachusetts → MaineMassachusetts → MississippiMassachusetts → New MexicoMassachusetts → OhioMassachusetts → VermontMassachusetts → West VirginiaMassachusetts → WyomingMassachusetts → AlaskaMassachusetts → AlabamaMassachusetts → ArkansasMassachusetts → ArizonaMassachusetts → CaliforniaMassachusetts → ColoradoMassachusetts → Washington D.C.Massachusetts → DelawareMassachusetts → FloridaMassachusetts → GeorgiaMassachusetts → HawaiiMassachusetts → IowaMassachusetts → IllinoisMassachusetts → IndianaMassachusetts → KansasMassachusetts → KentuckyMassachusetts → MarylandMassachusetts → MichiganMassachusetts → MinnesotaMassachusetts → MissouriMassachusetts → MontanaMassachusetts → North CarolinaMassachusetts → North DakotaMassachusetts → NebraskaMassachusetts → New JerseyMassachusetts → NevadaMassachusetts → New YorkMassachusetts → OklahomaMassachusetts → OregonMassachusetts → PennsylvaniaMassachusetts → Rhode IslandMassachusetts → South CarolinaMassachusetts → South DakotaMassachusetts → TennesseeMassachusetts → TexasMassachusetts → UtahMassachusetts → VirginiaMassachusetts → WashingtonMassachusetts → Wisconsin

Massachusetts DMV & Registration

Massachusetts requires you to update your driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in another state.

  • Massachusetts requires you to return your license plates to the RMV when you cancel registration — failing to do so results in continued insurance requirements and fees.
  • Close or transfer your Massachusetts EZ-Pass (Fast Lane) account before leaving.
Official Massachusetts DMV →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular states people move to from Massachusetts?

New Hampshire dominates short-distance moves (zero income tax, same-day Boston access).

  • Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island absorb many regional moves.
  • Idaho, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Louisiana appear as longer-distance lifestyle moves.
  • Ohio reflects a cost-driven career move.

How much does it cost to move from Massachusetts?

Moves to New Hampshire or Connecticut typically cost $1,500–$3,500.

  • Moves to Florida or the South run $3,000–$7,000.
  • Cross-country moves run $4,500–$10,000.
  • Boston's brownstones and triple-deckers often require narrow staircase navigation, adding to labor cost.

Does Massachusetts tax retirement income?

Massachusetts taxes most retirement income — IRA, 401(k), and pension distributions — at the standard 5.0% rate.

  • Social Security is exempt.
  • When you move to a no-income-tax state (New Hampshire, Florida, Tennessee, etc.), your retirement distributions are no longer subject to state income tax, which is a significant benefit for retirees.

What is the Massachusetts millionaire's surtax?

Massachusetts voters approved a 4% surtax on income over $1 million per year effective 2023, raising the effective top rate to 9.0%.

  • This has accelerated outbound migration among high earners, particularly business owners and investors selling appreciated assets.

How do I handle my Massachusetts vehicle registration when I move?

Return your license plates to any Massachusetts RMV service center or mail them to the Registry.

  • Massachusetts is strict about this — unlike some states, you cannot simply let registration lapse.
  • After returning plates, your insurance requirement ends and you'll get a refund of unused registration.
  • Bring your MA title to your new state's DMV along with proof of new insurance.