California to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Massachusetts

ConsCalifornia

• Very high housing
• Top income tax
• High sales tax
• Expensive gasoline
• Severe wildfire seasons
• Drought, water bans
• Earthquake risk
• Smoke, poor air
• Car-centric sprawl
• Long commutes
• Crowded popular parks
• Heat waves inland

ProsMassachusetts

• Lower median home prices
• Lower income tax
• Lower sales tax
• Cheaper gasoline
• Fewer wildfire threats
• Abundant freshwater
• Minimal earthquake risk
• Cleaner summer air
• Walkable, transit options
• More commuter rail
• Quieter local trails
• Cooler summer temps

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Massachusetts

• Snowy, icy winters
• Shorter outdoor season
• More overcast days
• Colder ocean beaches
• Fewer tech HQs
• Lower salary averages
• Smaller dining variety
• Fewer campus options
• Short growing season
• Higher heating bills
• Road salt corrosion
• Tolls, narrower roads

California

• Mild winter weather
• Year-round outdoor life
• Abundant sunshine
• Pacific ocean beaches
• Major tech hubs
• Higher average salaries
• Diverse global cuisine
• Top public universities
• Fresh produce year-round
• Lower heating needs
• Less road salt corrosion
• Wide freeway network

Pros of moving from California to Massachusetts

• Say goodbye to very high housing and hello to lower median home prices
• Look forward to moving away from top income tax and moving to Massachusetts with lower income tax
• Swap the high sales tax of California for lower sales tax in Massachusetts
• Get ready for cheaper gasoline in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from California to Massachusetts

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winter weather in California to live with snowy and icy winters in Massachusetts
• You'll lose out on the pro of year-round outdoor life and have to settle for the con of a shorter outdoor season
• Time to bid farewell to abundant sunshine and get used to more overcast days in Massachusetts
• Swap Pacific Ocean beaches for colder ocean beaches

California vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Avocado Toast of California for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip and sumptuous Food Tacos, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Road Roast and Lobster Rolls to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Stew of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, Chez Panisse, and In-N-Out Burger. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Union Oyster House, Legal Sea Foods, and Santarpio's Pizza.

When comparing lifestyles, Massachusetts shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Massachusetts compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Massachusetts.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Massachusetts

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Massachusetts.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and garages, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and hardwood floors.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than California.
• Massachusetts has less of an urban feel than California.
• Massachusetts housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased 46% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Massachusetts is 6.88% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Massachusetts

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 30% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Massachusetts has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and hurricanes in Massachusetts.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 5 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 26 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 25 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Massachusetts

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 3% more than those in California
• The COLI in Massachusetts is 11% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in MA is 5% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Massachusetts is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Massachusetts

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic-leaning
• Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as historically Catholic with increasing diversity
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from California to Massachusetts

How Much Do California to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 3,099 miles from California to Massachusetts will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.