Montana to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Updated June 3, 2025

Planning a 2,290 mile interstate move from Montana to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Montana vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Bison Steak vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Bison Steak and Elk Burger, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Lobster Roll
- Massachusetts housing costs are 34% more expensive than they are in Montana
- Rent in Massachusetts is 80.15% more expensive than in Montana
- Moving from Montana to Massachusetts will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
- Our top recommended Montana to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
Montana to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Massachusetts
- Harsh winters
- Limited job market
- Fewer cultural events
- Rural isolation
- Long distances to travel
- Milder winters
- Diverse job opportunities
- Rich in culture and arts
- Urban convenience
- Closer amenities
- Higher cost of living
- Busy lifestyle
- Crowded spaces
- Expensive real estate
- Fast-paced life
- Natural beauty
- Outdoor activities
- Low population density
- Cheaper housing
- Simple living
Pros of moving from Montana to Massachusetts
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
- Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Massachusetts with diverse job opportunities
- Swap the fewer cultural events of Montana for rich culture and arts in Massachusetts
- Get ready for urban convenience in Massachusetts
Cons of moving from Montana to Massachusetts
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Montana to live with a higher cost of living in Massachusetts
- You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor activities and have to settle with the con of a busy lifestyle
- Time to bid farewell to low population density and get used to crowded spaces in Massachusetts
- Swap cheaper housing for expensive real estate
Montana vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Montana | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Bison Steak | Clam Chowder |
Most popular meat dish | Elk Burger | Lobster Roll |
Most popular street food item | Huckleberry Pie | Fried Clams |
Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Lentil Stew |
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 Montana to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Bison Steak of Montana for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Elk Burger and sumptuous Huckleberry Pie, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Fried Clams 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 Lentil Stew of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like The Bozeman Chophouse, Montana Brewing Company, and CafΓ© Zydeco. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Santarpio's Pizza.
When comparing lifestyles, Massachusetts shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Montana. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Massachusetts compared to what you are used to in Montana. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Massachusetts.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Massachusetts
Comparison | Montana | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Craftsman | Colonial, Cape Cod |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain Views, Privacy | Proximity to schools, Public transportation |
- The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Massachusetts.
- Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and privacy, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to schools and public transportation.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than Montana.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Montana.
- Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Montana.
- Massachusetts housing costs are 34% more expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Montanaβs $456,199.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
- Rent in Massachusetts is 80.15% more expensive than in Montana.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Montana and Massachusetts
Comparison | Montana | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
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 | Wildfires, Snowstorms | Blizzards, Hurricanes |
Air Quality | Good | Varies (Moderate in cities) |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F/45Β°F | 82Β°F/62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 30Β°F/10Β°F | 37Β°F/18Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 15" | 45" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 60" | 48" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
- Massachusetts has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Montana.
- Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and snowstorms in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and hurricanes in Massachusetts.
- The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 2 degrees warmer than in Montana.
- The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 30 more inches of rain compared to Montana.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Massachusetts
Comparison | Montana | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,631 | $94,488 |
Cost of Living Index | 99.4 | 121.55 |
State Income Tax | 6.9 | 5.0 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.85 | 1.23 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 0 | 6.25 |
Top 3 Industries | Mining, Agriculture, Tourism | Technology, Education, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Low | Low |
Homelessness | Minimal | Noticeable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 40% more than in Montana
- The COLI in Massachusetts will be 22% higher than what you are used to living in Montana
- The state income tax in MA is 5.0 compared to 6.9 in MT
- The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate in Montana
- The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to low in Montana
- In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Montana and noticeable in Massachusetts
Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Massachusetts
Comparison | Montana | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally Republican | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Moderate with conservative leanings | Liberal, with strong support for progressive policies |
Religion | Christianity dominates, diverse but less religiously affiliated | Primarily Christian, with higher Catholic presence than Montana |
- Montana tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
- Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
- Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a higher Catholic presence than Montana
- Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as dominated by Christianity, diverse but less religiously affiliated
Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Massachusetts
Comparison | Montana | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Montana State University-Bozeman The University of Montana-Missoula Montana Tech-Butte | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Boston University Harvard University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Morning Star Elementary - Bozeman Hawthorne Elementary - Bozeman Chief Joseph Elementary - Great Falls | Thompson Elementary - Arlington Maria Hastings Elementary - Lexington Schofield Elementary - Wellesley |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Sacajawea Middle School - Bozeman Chief Joseph Middle School - Great Falls East Middle School - Butte | William Diamond Middle School - Lexington Jonas Clarke Middle School - Lexington Blanchard Middle School - Westford |
Top 3 High School Schools | Bozeman High School - Bozeman Helena High School - Helena Sentinel High School - Missoula | Boston Latin School - Boston Lexington High School - Lexington Brookline High School - Brookline |
Top 3 private high schools | Montana Academy - Marion Carroll College - Helena Great Falls Central Catholic High School - Great Falls | Phillips Academy - Andover Milton Academy - Milton Belmont Hill School - Belmont |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Petra Academy - Bozeman Stillwater Christian School - Kalispell Billings Christian School - Billings | Buckingham Browne & Nichols - Cambridge Noble and Greenough School - Dedham The Winsor School - Boston |
Top 3 School Districts | Bozeman School District Helena School District Missoula County Public Schools | Lexington School District Newton Public Schools Wellesley Public Schools |
How Much Do Montana to Massachusetts Movers Cost?
Moving 2,290 miles from Montana to Massachusetts will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,501 | 300 ft3 | $8.34 |
1 Bedroom | $3,729 | 450 ft3 | $8.29 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,177 | 750 ft3 | $8.24 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,004 | 1100 ft3 | $8.19 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,017 | 1600 ft3 | $8.14 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,554 | 1800 ft3 | $8.09 |
Top Montana to Massachusetts Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Montana to Massachusetts movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

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