Massachusetts to Michigan Moving Guide
Updated June 9, 2025

Planning a 863 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Coney Dog), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Coney Dog & Pasties
- Michigan housing costs are 61% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
- Rent in Michigan is 42.87% more affordable than in Massachusetts
- Moving from Massachusetts to Michigan will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Massachusetts to Michigan movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
Massachusetts to Michigan Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Michigan
- High cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Severe winters
- Overcrowded schools
- High taxes
- Affordable housing
- Less traffic
- Milder winters
- Better student-teacher ratio
- Lower taxes
- Less historical depth
- Limited coastal access
- Fewer top-tier schools
- Less diverse dining
- Limited transit options
- Rich history and culture
- Accessible beaches
- World-class universities
- Vibrant culinary scene
- Public transit access
Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Michigan
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Michigan with less traffic
- Swap the severe winters of Massachusetts for milder winters in Michigan
- Get ready for a better student-teacher ratio in Michigan
Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Michigan
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history and culture in Massachusetts to live with less historical depth in Michigan
- You'll lose out on the pro of accessible beaches and have to settle for the con of limited coastal access
- Time to bid farewell to world-class universities and get used to fewer top-tier schools in Michigan
- Swap the vibrant culinary scene for a less diverse dining
Massachusetts vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Massachusetts | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Coney Dog |
Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Pasties |
Most popular street food item | Fried Clams | Detroit-style Pizza |
Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Tempeh Reuben |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Massachusetts to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Coney Dog of Michigan. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Fried Clams, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Detroit-style Pizza to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Woodman's of Essex, Union Oyster House, and Neptune Oyster. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like American Coney Island, Slows Bar BQ, and Zingerman's Delicatessen.
When comparing lifestyles, Michigan shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Massachusetts. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Michigan compared to what you are used to in Massachusetts. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Michigan.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Michigan
Comparison | Massachusetts | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Ranch, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to schools and public transport | Lakefront access, spacious yards |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Michigan.
- Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to schools and public transport, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront access and spacious yards.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than Massachusetts.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Michigan is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
- Michigan has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
- Michigan housing costs are 61% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Massachusettsβs $612,509.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
- Rent in Michigan is 42.87% more affordable than in Massachusetts.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Massachusetts and Michigan
Comparison | Massachusetts | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Nor'easters, Blizzards | Lake Effect Snow, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F / 60Β°F | 81Β°F / 59Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F / 22Β°F | 30Β°F / 18Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47.7 | 32.8 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 51 | 60.66 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Massachusetts to Michigan. Michigan gets 15% fewer sunshine days than Massachusetts.
- Michigan has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
- Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential lake effect snow and tornadoes in Michigan.
- The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 1 degree warmer than in Massachusetts.
- The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Massachusetts.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 14.9 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Michigan
Comparison | Massachusetts | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,488 | $66,986 |
Cost of Living Index | 121.55 | 91.2 |
State Income Tax | 5.0% | 4.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.23% | 1.64% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25% | 6.0% |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Finance | Automotive, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 29% less than in Massachusetts
- The COLI in Michigan is 25% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
- The state income tax in Michigan is 4.25% compared to 5.0% in Massachusetts
- The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
- The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to low in Massachusetts
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Massachusetts and low in Michigan
Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Michigan
Comparison | Massachusetts | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderately Democratic |
Local Politics | Strong Democratic urban centers | Diverse, with Democratic cities and Republican rural areas |
Religion | Primarily Catholic, non-religious | Mixed Protestant, Catholic, and non-religious |
- Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
- Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Democratic
- Michigan's religious environment can be described as a mix of Protestant, Catholic, and non-religious
- Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Catholic and non-religious
Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Michigan
Comparison | Massachusetts | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Harvard University MIT Tufts University | University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Vinson-Owen Elementary Winchester Day Elementary Newton Muraco Elementary Winchester | Bates Elementary Dexter Angell Elementary Ann Arbor Pattengill Elementary Berkley |
Top 3 Middle Schools | McCall Middle Winchester Blanchard Middle Westford Joyce Middle Woburn | Clague Middle Ann Arbor West Middle Plymouth East Middle Grand Rapids |
Top 3 High School Schools | Boston Latin School Boston Brookline High Brookline Lexington High Lexington | International Academy Bloomfield Hills Troy High Troy Northville High Northville |
Top 3 private high schools | Phillips Academy Andover Groton School Groton Milton Academy Milton | Cranbrook Schools Bloomfield Hills Detroit Country Day Beverly Hills Roeper School Birmingham |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Shady Hill School Cambridge Beaver Country Day School Chestnut Hill Dana Hall School Wellesley | Roeper School Birmingham Greenhills School Ann Arbor Detroit Country Day Beverly Hills |
Top 3 School Districts | Weston Public Schools Weston Lexington Public Schools Lexington Wellesley Public Schools Wellesley | East Grand Rapids Public Schools East Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills Public Schools Ottawa Hills Bloomfield Hills Schools Bloomfield Hills |
How Much Do Massachusetts to Michigan Movers Cost?
Moving 863 miles from Massachusetts to Michigan will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,692 | 300 ft3 | $5.64 |
1 Bedroom | $2,515 | 450 ft3 | $5.59 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,154 | 750 ft3 | $5.54 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,038 | 1100 ft3 | $5.49 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,703 | 1600 ft3 | $5.44 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,700 | 1800 ft3 | $5.39 |
Top Massachusetts to Michigan Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Massachusetts to Michigan movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Michigan