Factors influencing moving costs from New York City to Bostontoggle

The cost of New York City movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from New York City to Boston can be as low as $798 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 4,863.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in New York City, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $293 to $636. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from New York City to Boston

Moving from New York City to Boston means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in New York City than in Boston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how New York City compares to Boston so you know what to expect before you relocate:

New York City Boston
Average rent cost $4,340 $3,400
Average home value $752,778 $739,121
Average income (per capita) $78,058 $89,212
Cost of living (single person) $5,683 $4,820
Cost of living (family of 4) $15,081 $11,304
Unemployment rate 11.2% 6.2%
Sales tax 8.0% 6.25%
State income tax 10.9% 9.0%
  • Rent prices in Boston are 22% lower than in New York City, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Boston.
    Home prices in Boston are 1.8% lower than in New York City.
  • Income in Boston is 14.3% higher than in New York City, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Boston is 15.2% lower than in New York City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Boston is 25.0% lower than in New York City.
  • The unemployment rate in Boston is 44.64% lower than in New York City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Boston are 21.88% lower than in New York City.
  • One perk of moving to Boston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.43% lower than in New York City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,544.43 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.

How life is different in New York City vs. Boston

Boston New York City
Population 675,647 8,258,035
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 10
Walkability score 98 88
Bike friendliness score 86 69
Crime Index 39.88 50.83
Safety Index 60.12 49.17
Air Quality Good Good
  • Boston's population is about 92% less than New York City.
  • Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus New York City's higher score of 10.
  • Boston is more walkable than New York City with a score of 98 out of 100 vs New York City's 88 out of 100.
  • With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than New York City, which has a score of 69 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Boston's crime rate is lower than New York City with a score of 39.88 compared to New York City's 50.83. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83%.
  • Boston is considered to be safer than New York City with a safety index of 60.12 vs New York City's 49.17.
  • Air quality in Boston is good, and in New York City it's good.

Other things to consider for your New York City vs. Boston move

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities โ€“ Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Massachusetts, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toBoston Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Boston

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Athens of America" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Boston to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Allston-Brighton
  • Back Bay-Beacon Hill
  • East Boston
  • Jamaica Plain
  • South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Charlestown
  • East Boston
  • Hyde Park
  • Roslindale
  • West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

Now that you've made the move to Massachusetts, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Boston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from New York City to Boston?

The best time to move from New York City to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in New York City.

When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Boston?

Because most people are moving from New York City to Boston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from New York City to Boston take?

The 215-mile move from New York City, NY, to Boston, MA, takes one to two days. Some New York City movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.

Helpful moving resources