New Jersey to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Updated June 22, 2025

Planning a 278 mile interstate move from New Jersey to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high property taxes vs lower property taxes), food & health (like Taylor Ham/Pork Roll vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Taylor Ham/Pork Roll and Italian Hot Dog, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Lobster Roll
- Massachusetts housing costs are 19% more expensive than they are in New Jersey
- Rent in Massachusetts is 3.56% more expensive than in New Jersey
- Moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
- Our top recommended New Jersey to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
New Jersey to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts
- High property taxes
- Dense urban areas
- Congested traffic
- Extreme winter storms
- Lower property taxes
- Historic charm
- Efficient public transit
- Milder winters
- Farther from major cities
- Colder beaches
- Fewer food options
- Less cultural diversity
- Proximity to NYC
- Beautiful beaches
- Diverse cuisine
- Rich history
Pros of moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts
- Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
- Look forward to moving away from dense urban areas and moving to Massachusetts with historic charm
- Swap the congested traffic of New Jersey for efficient public transit in Massachusetts
- Get ready for milder winters in Massachusetts
Cons of moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from proximity to NYC in New Jersey to live farther from major cities in Massachusetts
- You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful beaches and have to settle for the con of colder beaches
- Time to bid farewell to diverse cuisine and get used to fewer food options in Massachusetts
- Swap rich history for less cultural diversity
New Jersey vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | New Jersey | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Taylor Ham/Pork Roll | Clam Chowder |
Most popular meat dish | Italian Hot Dog | Lobster Roll |
Most popular street food item | Salt Water Taffy | Fried Clams |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Pizza | Vegan Chowder |
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 New Jersey to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Taylor Ham/Pork Roll of New Jersey for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dog and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Fried Clams to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Chowder of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Jersey eateries like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, White House Subs, and Chez Catherine. 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 Neptune Oyster.
When comparing lifestyles, Massachusetts shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than New Jersey. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Massachusetts compared to what you are used to in New Jersey. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Massachusetts.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Massachusetts
Comparison | New Jersey | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Colonial, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to NYC, spacious yards | Access to public transportation, historic charm |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
- Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and spacious yards, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like access to public transportation and historic charm.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than New Jersey.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than New Jersey.
- Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than New Jersey.
- Massachusetts housing costs are 19% more expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to New Jerseyβs $512,908.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
- Rent in Massachusetts is 3.56% more expensive than in New Jersey.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Jersey and Massachusetts
Comparison | New Jersey | 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 | Hurricanes, nor'easters | Nor'easters, blizzards |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85/66 | 82/62 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 40/22 | 37/18 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47 | 48 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 23 | 51 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 3% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
- Massachusetts has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Jersey.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts.
- The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 3 degrees colder than in New Jersey.
- The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 1 more inch of rain compared to New Jersey.
Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Massachusetts
Comparison | New Jersey | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $96,346 | $94,488 |
Cost of Living Index | 129.7 | 121.55 |
State Income Tax | 5.53% | 5.00% |
Avg. Property Tax | 2.42% | 1.23% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.63% | 6.25% |
Top 3 Industries | Finance, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Education, Healthcare, Biotechnology |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Increasing | Stable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 2% less than in New Jersey
- The COLI in Massachusetts will be 6% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
- The state income tax in MA is 5.00% compared to 5.53% in NJ
- The affluence in Massachusetts is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
- The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to moderate in New Jersey
- In terms of homelessness, it is increasing in New Jersey and stable in Massachusetts
Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Massachusetts
Comparison | New Jersey | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democratic-leaning | Democratic-stronghold |
Local Politics | Mixed urban & suburban policies | Progressive urban policies |
Religion | Multifaceted, with a mix of Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims | Primarily Catholic, but with a diverse range of faiths present |
- New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
- Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as a Democratic stronghold
- Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as primarily Catholic but with a diverse range of faiths present
- New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as multifaceted, with a mix of Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims
Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts
Comparison | New Jersey | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Rutgers University Princeton University The College of New Jersey | Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Littlebrook Elementary School (Princeton) Hilldale Elementary School (Pine Brook) Wandell School (Saddle River) | Joseph Estabrook School (Lexington) John D. Hardy School (Wellesley) Vinson-Owen Elementary School (Winchester) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Thomas Grover Middle School (West Windsor) Community Middle School (Plainsboro) William Annin Middle School (Basking Ridge) | William Diamond Middle School (Lexington) Jonas Clarke Middle School (Lexington) Wayland Middle School (Wayland) |
Top 3 High Schools | High Technology High School (Lincroft) Bergen County Academies (Hackensack) Union County Magnet High School (Scotch Plains) | Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science (Worcester) Lexington High School (Lexington) Boston Latin School (Boston) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville) The Pingry School (Basking Ridge) Delbarton School (Morristown) | Phillips Academy (Andover) Groton School (Groton) Noble and Greenough School (Dedham) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Pennington School (Pennington) Morristown-Beard School (Morristown) Rutgers Preparatory School (Somerset) | Phillips Academy (Andover) Milton Academy (Milton) The Winsor School (Boston) |
Top 3 School Districts | Millburn Township School District Princeton Public Schools West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District | Weston Public Schools Lexington Public Schools Wayland Public Schools |
How Much Do New Jersey to Massachusetts Movers Cost?
Moving 278 miles from New Jersey to Massachusetts will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $1,500 - $4,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,156 | 300 ft3 | $3.85 |
1 Bedroom | $1,715 | 450 ft3 | $3.81 |
2 Bedrooms | $2,826 | 750 ft3 | $3.77 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,099 | 1100 ft3 | $3.73 |
4 Bedrooms | $5,894 | 1600 ft3 | $3.68 |
5+ Bedrooms | $6,554 | 1800 ft3 | $3.64 |
Top New Jersey to Massachusetts Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best New Jersey to Massachusetts movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for New Jersey to Massachusetts