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Virginia to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 606 mile interstate move from Virginia to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs cooler climate), food & health (like Ham vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Ham and Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Lobster Roll
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 59% more expensive than they are in Virginia
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 38.71% more expensive than in Virginia
  • Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Virginia to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Virginia to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • Hot summers
  • Higher crime rates
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited public transit
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Cooler climate
  • Safer cities
  • Efficient public transport
  • Robust transit system

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Higher living expenses
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher taxes
  • Expensive real estate
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Lower cost of living
  • Mild winters
  • Rich history
  • Beautiful countryside

Pros of moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

  • Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to cooler climate
  • Look forward to moving away from higher crime rates and moving to Massachusetts with safer cities
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Virginia for efficient public transport in Massachusetts
  • Get ready for a robust transit system in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Virginia to live with higher living expenses in Massachusetts
  • You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of harsh winters
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to higher taxes in Massachusetts
  • Swap beautiful countryside for expensive real estate

Virginia vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVirginiaMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemHamClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishBarbecueLobster Roll
Most popular street food itemPeanutsClam Cakes
Most popular vegan foodVegan BBQBean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Lehja
  • L'Auberge ProvenΓ§ale
  • Oleana
  • Neptune Oyster
  • The Daily Catch
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 Virginia to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful Barbecue and sumptuous Peanuts, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Clam Cakes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan BBQ they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Bean Burgers of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Lehja, and L'Auberge ProvenΓ§ale. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Oleana, Neptune Oyster, and The Daily Catch.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Massachusetts

ComparisonVirginiaMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodColonial, Victorian
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 listingSpacious yards, proximity to natureAccess to public transportation, historic charm
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
  • Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to nature, 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 Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
  • Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Virginia.
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 59% more expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 38.71% more expensive than in Virginia.

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

ComparisonVirginiaMassachusetts
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsSnowstorms, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86Β°F/66Β°F82Β°F/62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)48Β°F/29Β°F37Β°F/22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)44"47"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)10-20"40-80"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
  • Massachusetts has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and nor'easters in Massachusetts.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 4 degrees colder than in Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Massachusetts

ComparisonVirginiaMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$85,873$94,488
Cost of Living Index96.6121.55
State Income Tax2% - 5.75%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.82%1.24%
Avg. Sales Tax5.3%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Tech, AgricultureEducation, Healthcare, Finance
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessManageableNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 10% more than those in Virginia
  • The COLI in Massachusetts will be 26% higher than what you are used to living in Virginia
  • The state income tax in MA is 5% compared to 2% - 5.75% in VA
  • The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate affluence in Virginia
  • The poverty level is moderate in Massachusetts compared to low in Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Virginia and noticeable in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Massachusetts

ComparisonVirginiaMassachusetts
Political Make-upSwing state with a balanced mix of Republican and Democrat votersPrimarily Democrat with strong liberal leanings
Local PoliticsVaries significantly from one county to anotherGenerally liberal throughout, especially in urban areas
ReligionMixed, with a strong presence of Evangelical ProtestantsPrimarily Catholic, with other religions well represented
  • Virginia tends to lean swing state with a balanced mix of Republican and Democrat voters in its political climate.
  • Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democrat with strong liberal leanings.
  • Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as primarily Catholic with other religions well represented.
  • Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a strong presence of Evangelical Protestants.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

ComparisonVirginiaMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
James Madison University
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsArlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Nottingham Elementary School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary School
Vienna
John D. Hardy Elementary
Wellesley; Edward Brooke Charter School
Boston; Vinson-Owen Elementary
Winchester
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Cooper Middle School
McLean; Glasgow Middle School
Alexandria
William Diamond Middle School
Lexington; Jonas Clarke Middle School
Lexington; Thomas Prince School
Princeton
Top 3 High SchoolsThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean
Boston Latin School
Boston; Lexington High School
Lexington; Brookline High School
Brookline
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Madeira School
McLean; St. Christopher's School
Richmond; Episcopal High School
Alexandria
Phillips Academy
Andover; Roxbury Latin School
Boston; Belmont Hill School
Belmont
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Potomac School
McLean; Flint Hill School
Oakton; Collegiate School
Richmond
Noble and Greenough School
Dedham; Milton Academy
Milton; Groton School
Groton
Top 3 School DistrictsFalls Church City Public Schools; Loudoun County Public Schools; Arlington Public SchoolsLexington Public Schools; Weston Public Schools; Wellesley Public Schools

How Much Do Virginia to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 606 miles from Virginia to Massachusetts will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,314300 ft3$4.38
1 Bedroom$1,952450 ft3$4.34
2 Bedrooms$3,222750 ft3$4.30
3 Bedrooms$4,6781100 ft3$4.25
4 Bedrooms$6,7371600 ft3$4.21
5+ Bedrooms$7,5021800 ft3$4.17

Top Virginia to Massachusetts Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Virginia to Massachusetts movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Massachusetts

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details

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