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Massachusetts to Michigan Moving Guide

Updated June 9, 2025

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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

ConsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Severe winters
  • Overcrowded schools
  • High taxes
ProsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Affordable housing
  • Less traffic
  • Milder winters
  • Better student-teacher ratio
  • Lower taxes

Michigan iconMichigan
  • Less historical depth
  • Limited coastal access
  • Fewer top-tier schools
  • Less diverse dining
  • Limited transit options
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • 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

ComparisonMassachusettsMichigan
Most iconic local food itemClam ChowderConey Dog
Most popular meat dishLobster RollPasties
Most popular street food itemFried ClamsDetroit-style Pizza
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Woodman's of Essex
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
  • American Coney Island
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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

ComparisonMassachusettsMichigan
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodRanch, Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to schools and public transportLakefront 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 Massachusetts’s $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

ComparisonMassachusettsMichigan
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersNor'easters, BlizzardsLake Effect Snow, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 60Β°F81Β°F / 59Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 22Β°F30Β°F / 18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47.732.8
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5160.66
  • 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

ComparisonMassachusettsMichigan
Avg. Household Income$94,488$66,986
Cost of Living Index121.5591.2
State Income Tax5.0%4.25%
Avg. Property Tax1.23%1.64%
Avg. Sales Tax6.25%6.0%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, FinanceAutomotive, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • 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

ComparisonMassachusettsMichigan
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerately Democratic
Local PoliticsStrong Democratic urban centersDiverse, with Democratic cities and Republican rural areas
ReligionPrimarily Catholic, non-religiousMixed 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

ComparisonMassachusettsMichigan
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 SchoolsVinson-Owen Elementary
Winchester
Day Elementary
Newton
Muraco Elementary
Winchester
Bates Elementary
Dexter
Angell Elementary
Ann Arbor
Pattengill Elementary
Berkley
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMcCall Middle
Winchester
Blanchard Middle
Westford
Joyce Middle
Woburn
Clague Middle
Ann Arbor
West Middle
Plymouth
East Middle
Grand Rapids
Top 3 High School SchoolsBoston Latin School
Boston
Brookline High
Brookline
Lexington High
Lexington
International Academy
Bloomfield Hills
Troy High
Troy
Northville High
Northville
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips 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 schoolsShady 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 DistrictsWeston 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,692300 ft3$5.64
1 Bedroom$2,515450 ft3$5.59
2 Bedrooms$4,154750 ft3$5.54
3 Bedrooms$6,0381100 ft3$5.49
4 Bedrooms$8,7031600 ft3$5.44
5+ Bedrooms$9,7001800 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.

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Michigan

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details

Worcester to Michigan

Springfield to Michigan