If you’re looking to move from New York to a state that’s full of history, culture, and a booming economy, Massachusetts is a great choice.
The scenery is beautiful, and you’ll find everything from mountains to beaches. Massachusetts has it all, whether you’re looking for a small town or a big city to settle in.
The Bay State was one of the original thirteen colonies and is still the third most populous state in the country, with a healthy population growth of 0.75% annually.
If you’re planning to relocate to this amazing state, this guide will walk you through the moving process and cover everything you need to know.
Let’s jump in!
NY to Massachusetts: Average Moving Costs
All things considered, moving from NY to MA is a short trip. Coming from NYC, you’ll probably need to cover a distance of around 150 miles. If you’re coming from Syracuse, it’s closer to 300.
But distance is just one factor that contributes to the cost of your move. You also need to consider:
- Renting a truck
- Moving and packing supplies
- Time investment
- Labor costs
And those costs can add up.
If you decide to rent a self-service moving truck, you can cut down on your costs. While this is the cheapest option, you should still expect to pay $350 to $1,000, depending on the size of truck you need to haul your belongings.
These estimates don’t even include fuel costs, labor services, or any of the other factors involved with handling the move on your own.
The alternative is to hire a full-service, FMCSA-registered moving company. These movers take care of packing, loading, shipping, unloading, and unpacking your belongings, all for a flat rate. New Yorkers moving to Massachusetts can expect to pay at least $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. That cost rises dramatically if you’re moving a fully furnished house and can cost upwards of $5,000.
In the end, you’ll need to figure out your budget and which method suits you best. If a full-service move is out of the question, you can still take advantage of some moving services while sticking to your budget.
Lowering Costs
No matter what you can afford to spend on your move, there are things you can do to keep your costs low. Let’s take a look at how you can save some money during your relocation.
Price Matching
You can get the best price for your move by taking advantage of price matching.
Most companies will price match with competitors if you ask and you’ve secured a valid quote. This isn’t as easy as getting a free quote over the phone or from the website, though. Professional movers require a more accurate estimate.
When gathering your quotes, make sure you’re using the same basic guidelines for your comparison. You’ll need to either have the moving company visit your home and take inventory or provide them with an itemized list of your goods. Some moving companies, like Your Hometown Mover, also over Live Video Estimates so that this process can be done remotely.
While gathering these moving quotes can be a bit of a hassle, the money you’ll save may be well worth the effort.
Moving Labor & Packaging Services
Hiring a professional moving company to help with labor can significantly lower your relocation costs.
When you’re planning an interstate move, full-service movers have a lot of behind-the-scenes logistics that drive up costs, such as accounting for a long-distance driver, the truck, and more.
If you’re comfortable renting a truck and driving it yourself, you also have another option to keep costs low.
Most moving companies offer labor services to help you pack your belongings and load the truck. These types of movers work on an hourly or daily basis to help where you need it the most. If you’re relocating out of Manhattan or Brooklyn, having professionals navigate your belongings through the narrow hallways and down staircases may feel essential.
Of course, if you choose to go this route, you’ll likely need to work with two different moving companies — New York movers and another company in Massachusetts — since your local movers won’t make the trip with you to unload at your new home.
Utilizing labor and packing services, like those offered by Your Hometown Mover, can help you stick to a tighter budget while still getting the help you need for a smoother moving process.
Financing Options
If a full-service move is what you want, you can also look into financing options to help you cover the cost. While these are pretty rare, some professional movers still offer them.
With these “move now, pay later” options, you can pay back the full cost of your move over a set period, with a small amount of interest.
Transit Times
Professional moving companies usually estimate 7 to 14 business days for an interstate move.
While you may be able to make the 150- to 300-mile trip from New York to Massachusetts in a few hours, your moving company will take longer.
Traditional long-distance movers won’t drive directly from your old home to your new home. Instead, they’ll pool their resources by taking your belongings to a warehouse and combining them with other shipments bound for the same destination.
If the closest warehouse is in New Jersey or Connecticut, this can further delay your shipment, as your belongings will have to travel out of the way for consolidation.
This method is both effective and more profitable for moving companies but will result in longer lead times between pickup and delivery of your goods.
What About Expedited Delivery?
In a hurry and can’t wait a week or two for your belongings? Ask your provider about expedited delivery options.
Expedited services could get you your shipment in as little as one to three business days. Companies that offer these options skip the consolidation process, driving your truck straight from New York to Massachusetts.
Keep in mind that these services aren’t cheap. You’ll pay a premium for expedited options, potentially adding thousands of dollars to your relocation costs.
If this sounds like a worthwhile investment, make sure to compare moving dates for all your options. In some cases, expedited services may only save you a day or two from regular delivery while costing almost double the price.
If you need to move fast, expedited delivery may be a necessity. Your movers will get your goods to you faster, and you won’t have to risk your belongings getting lost or mixed up at the consolidation warehouse.
Coordinating Delivery
It’s easy to overlook certain shipping and delivery obstacles during the moving phase. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and prepare for your delivery date.
Shipment Tracking
When you’re moving locally, you don’t have to worry about where your goods are at all times.
If you’re wary of letting your possessions out of your sight, you can watch as everything is loaded and unloaded. You can even follow the truck to your new home.
Interstate moves are a whole other ballgame. Your belongings will be traveling hundreds of miles and likely stopping at a warehouse for consolidation. That means you won’t be able to follow them, even if you wanted to take the same route.
It can be frustrating when you don’t know the exact location of your goods during a long-distance move. It’s impossible to plan for their delivery if you don’t have a clear date and time for their arrival.
Luckily, Your Hometown Mover can ease your anxiety with live GPS tracking information for every long-distance move. Automated texts from our moving software will keep you apprised of the location of your items, so you can prepare for your expected delivery.
Ask your moving company if they offer this or something similar, so you know when to expect the delivery of your goods.
Urban Considerations
Major cities and metro areas require some special considerations to ensure a smooth delivery.
Apartments, condos, and gated communities may require some coordination for moving day. Smaller complexes have limited parking, so you might need to secure additional parking for your moving truck. Some places allow you to reserve an elevator if you’re moving into a multi-level building.
Often, gated communities require you to add visitors to an approved list. You may need to let them know that your moving company and truck are on the way. Others might give you a guest code for movers to use to open the gate.
Make sure you don’t run into any snags on moving day by checking into these types of things ahead of time.
Rural Considerations
Rural areas have their own considerations you’ll want to think about when planning your move.
Driveways should be cleared of any bushes or tree branches encroaching on the area. Low-hanging branches may not leave enough clearance for your moving truck. Moving in the winter can exacerbate the problem when trees are overburdened by snow.
Moving companies won’t risk damaging their truck if they don’t feel they have the proper clearance. If the truck can’t get close to your house, you may need to pay an increased cost for a shuttle service to transport your belongings from the truck to your door.
Take the time to ensure that your professional movers have easy access to the front of your new home to keep your move on track.
Weather Considerations
Weather is unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible and prepare for the worst.
If severe weather is forecasted for your moving day, you can always delay your delivery. While you can move in the rain, you run the risk of damaging your belongings. Not only are they likely to get wet, but the wet ground can cause slips and falls, leading to injuries or broken possessions.
Winter moves have even more potential for disaster. The risk of slipping and falling is even higher with ice or snow covering the ground. Plus, it’s just plain miserable trying to move boxes and furniture when you’re cold and wet.
Moving during difficult weather may be unavoidable, making hiring professional movers for help even more important.
Insurance
Long-distance moves come with an increased risk of damaged goods, so it’s important to check out your moving insurance options.
Even though most carriers do their best to provide a hassle-free moving experience by protecting your items for your move, accidents do happen.
Understanding how professional movers value your items and how moving insurance works will help you determine which type of protection is best for your shipment.
Basic Liability Insurance
Basic liability coverage usually comes with the standard moving package.
This might seem acceptable, but if you have a lot of high-value items, you should rethink using this option. Basic liability insurance rates aren’t based on the item’s actual (perceived) value but rather on the item’s weight.
For instance, a rate of $.60 per pound won’t even come close to covering the loss of a piece of precious jewelry or a valuable painting. If something like this were damaged during transit, your claim would give you a fraction of the value.
To get the best coverage for your shipment, you’ll need premium insurance.
Premium Move Coverage
Premium insurance offers full-value protection. These rates are determined by the item’s value, not its weight.
The cost of this coverage will be determined based on the total value of your shipment, so you’ll need to provide your moving company with an estimate. If something goes wrong, you’ll be able to claim the full value of the lost or damaged item, minus the deductible that’s usually included with premium coverage.
Your Hometown Mover offers custom crating and packing solutions, which can help keep valuables like antiques and oil paintings safe during your move.
Even so, if you own a lot of items that hold more value than their weight, premium insurance is essential.
Moving Vehicles & Boats
While you may find some public transportation throughout the state, many cities don’t offer much more than a bus to get around, so it’s a good idea to have a car.
If you own a vehicle and need to get it to Massachusetts, you have a few options:
- Drive it yourself
- Attach it to a rig on the back of your rental truck
- Hire an auto-transporter or rigger to move it for you
If you don’t feel comfortable driving an extended vehicle or over long distances, or you own a boat or multiple cars, the first two options won’t work.
Unfortunately, hauling vehicles requires specialized equipment, so your moving company won’t be able to do it either. But they can contract it out for you.
Since your moving company won’t ship your vehicle, it likely will follow a different delivery schedule. This is especially true if you’re using expedited delivery. Expect your vehicle to be excluded, take longer, or cost more to get it.
Your Hometown Mover also outsources this work, but we’ll create a seamless relocation experience by setting everything up for you.
Relocation Resources
Massachusetts is a great location with small towns and big cities. You’ll find great seafood, a paradise for sports fans, and top-notch healthcare. Families will love the highly ranked public schools, high schools, and universities throughout the state.
Each city offers a little something different, with plenty to do and see, no matter where your interests lie. Let’s look at some of the most popular places to live in this little state.
Boston
Cost of Living: 9.0% cheaper than NYC / 82.4% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 83
Transportation: Subway, Bus, Ferry, Bike, Walk
Known for: Fenway Park, Boston Marathon, Boston Tea Party
Boston is the capital of the state and one of the best places to live for history buffs. There’s so much to see and do in the Boston area that it can be a little overwhelming.
A great place to start exploring the Boston area is the Freedom Trail. It’s a little over two miles and winds through the city’s main attractions. You’ll see the site of the Boston Massacre of 1770, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Paul Revere House. You’ll also pass restaurants, shops, churches, and more, along the way.
You’ll have fun visiting Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where you can learn about the protest and even participate in a fun reenactment. Another great historical site is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library. Here you can learn all about the 35th president and his legacy.
For a fun day out, catch a Red Sox game at the oldest MLB stadium, Fenway Park, or tour the ballpark’s clubhouses and press rooms to view all the memorabilia. You can also stop by the original home of Sam Adams, the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, for a drink or to tour the facility.
If you’re hungry, check out one of the most visited neighborhoods in the city, North End. You’ll find the best restaurants, old-world cafes, and more. Many Bostonians hang out at Boston Common, one of the oldest parks in the nation. It’s full of history and offers plenty of space for recreation and relaxation.
Take a relaxing stroll through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The building, courtyard, and garden are just as stunning as the artwork you’ll find inside. The Museum of Fine Arts is another great place to visit, but make sure you plan to spend some time there, as there are over 450,000 artifacts to see.
If you don’t mind the cold winters, Boston’s weather is pretty exceptional during the other three seasons. Average highs in the summer are in the high 70s and low 80s. Blizzards, flooding, and hurricanes are possible, so make sure that you’re prepared in the event of these hazards.
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Springfield
Cost of Living: 45.4% cheaper than NYC / 9.5% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 58
Transportation: Bus, Car
Known for: Dr. Seuss, “City of Firsts”
Springfield is a good choice for those that want a larger city with a lower cost of living than Boston. Its closer proximity to New York City means you can head back for a visit whenever you want.
However, you’ll still find more than enough attractions to keep you occupied in Springfield. This city was home to Dr. Seuss, and you can visit the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden to see sculptures from all your favorite stories.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is just one of the five museums that make up the Springfield Museums in the downtown area. Here you can learn all about Dr. Seuss’ life and the inspiration for his books.
In the same area, you’ll find the Springfield Science Museum. There’s a planetarium with the oldest star projector in the nation, a dinosaur hall, a live animal center, and more.
Another great place to visit is the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Sports fans can play some mini-games and learn about all their favorite basketball stars. Families will love visiting The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center and seeing all the animals.
History buffs won’t want to miss seeing the Springfield Armory, which manufactured firearms for the nation as early as the Revolutionary War. The Titanic Museum is also filled with artifacts and pictures from the famous ship.
Springfield’s weather is just a few degrees warmer than Boston year-round. Average highs get to about 84 degrees in July, and winters are freezing and snowy. Be prepared for events such as snowstorms, flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
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Worcester
Cost of Living: 37.7% cheaper than NYC / 25.0% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 56
Transportation: Bus, Car
Known for: “Heart of the Commonwealth,” Clark University
Located in central Massachusetts, Worcester is known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth” and is the perfect mid-sized city to call home.
The Worcester Art Museum is filled with exhibits that showcase cultures from around the world, making it one of the city’s most popular attractions. You may also want to visit the Worcester Historical Museum, where you can learn all about the local history.
Other historic sites to visit are the Salisbury Mansion and the Bancroft Tower. The Salisbury Mansion is the only historic house museum in the city. You can take a walking tour of the building and then head over to the Bancroft Tower, which Stephen Salisbury also built.
The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 2002 to honor those who gave their lives during the Vietnam War and those from the Commonwealth who served their country between 1955 and 1975. You’ll also find a section devoted to the dogs that served during the war.
For something a little more relaxing, you can take a stroll in Elm Park, the country’s first public park. You can relax and let the kids play on the playground. Kids will also love visiting the EcoTarium, which is an indoor/outdoor museum with animal exhibits, a planetarium, and more.
Art and music lovers will want to take in a show at the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory or a concert at Mechanics Hall. Both buildings are over a century old and have been dazzling audiences for just as long.
The weather in Worcester is beautiful for the majority of the year. Summer highs are usually in the high 70s to low 80s. While winters are cold and snowy, average temperatures are slightly higher than in Boston. Hurricanes, winter storms, flooding, and more affect this city, so take the time to prepare for these emergencies.
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Cambridge
Cost of Living: 3.0% more expensive than NYC / 106.5% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 90
Transportation: Bus, Subway, Walk, Bike
Known for: Harvard, MIT
Cambridge is a college town and a city for the intellectual. Here you’ll find some of the most prestigious universities in the country, including Harvard and MIT.
Harvard University offers tours of the campus and sponsors many of the main attractions in Cambridge. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is the school’s most visited museum and features over 12,000 specimens, including dinosaurs, fossils, meteorites, gemstones, and more.
The Harvard Art Museums consist of three different museums, each filled with paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from various parts of the world. Also on campus, you’ll find the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology. This museum is one of the oldest and largest museums dedicated to anthropology in the world.
Harvard Square is another must-see location. It’s the historic and commercial center of the city. Watch the street performers, or pop into one of the many bookstores, cafes, shops, or restaurants lining the area.
If you’re tired of Harvard, head on over to MIT. You can tour the campus or visit the MIT Museum to learn all about the school’s history.
Midway between the two schools, Central Square serves as the downtown area of Cambridge. You’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, including Toscanini’s, which has “the best ice cream in the world,” according to the New York Times.
Another place you’ll want to see is the Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters. In 1775-1776, George Washington used this house as his headquarters. Later, it was the home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the famous poet.
Cambridge is super close to Boston, so you’ll find similar weather, including the same risks of natural disasters, such as flooding, hurricanes, and more. Plan ahead, so you’re prepared in the case of natural disasters.
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Lowell
Cost of Living: 32.1% cheaper than NYC / 36.1% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 67
Transportation: Bus, Car
Known for: Jack Kerouac, UMass Lowell
Lowell sits just 27 miles north of Boston with a convenient commuter rail link to the big city, making it a great place to call home. It’s said to be the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, which you can learn all about at the Lowell National Historic Park.
You can also visit the National Streetcar Museum to see how public transportation has evolved in the city. The Boott Cotton Mills Museum is also part of the Lowell National Historic Park. This museum still has working mill equipment, so you can learn how everything works.
If milling sounds like too much work, you can stop by the New England Quilt Museum and take a seminar on quilting. You’ll see themed exhibits and antique quilts around the gallery. The Whistler House Museum of Art is another great stop, home to period and local artwork.
Downtown Lowell is the heart of the city and offers plenty of options for dining, shopping, history, and entertainment. It’s also home to the Lowell Folk Festival every year. Steps away, you can take a tour of the UMass Lowell campus.
If you need someplace to relax, check out the LeLacheur Park and take in a minor league baseball game. The Merrimack Repertory Theatre is another great choice, showing contemporary plays and dazzling audiences with professional performances.
Lowell’s average summer temperatures are a few degrees higher than Boston, but still typically in the low 80s. Winter weather in the city is freezing and snowy. Lowell suffers from floods, winter storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The city’s government recommends having a basic supply kit on hand in case of an emergency.
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FAQ
What is the average cost to move to MA from NY?
Many factors affect the cost of your relocation, including how much of the work you’re willing to handle yourself.
Full-service moves will run you between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the number of your belongings and the size of the truck needed to haul everything.
Driving your own truck will cost you between $350 and $1,000, but that doesn’t account for the cost of fuel or any other moving services you may need.
How long will my move take?
Professional moving companies typically quote 7 to 14 business days for an interstate move.
The actual distance you need to travel can affect your timeframe, and expedited delivery is also an option. Make sure to talk to your provider to get a more exact estimate of how long it’ll take to get your belongings.
How is living in MA different from NY?
Massachusetts and New York are actually pretty similar states, as far as weather and terrain are concerned. They both have some major cities, like NYC and Boston, and some smaller towns.
If you’re moving from New York City, pretty much anywhere you choose to relocate will have a lower cost of living. But, if you’re coming from Syracuse or somewhere in the Upstate, expect to pay more.
Major cities do offer public transportation, but nothing compared to the vast systems you’ll find in NYC. City buses are common everywhere, but having a car is more essential in this state.
How do you get around in Massachusetts?
Cities like Boston and Cambridge both sport plenty of public transportation options, as well as being highly bikeable and walkable.
However, if you choose to live anywhere else, you’ll have to rely on the city’s buses or a vehicle of your own.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live?
Massachusetts is a very popular place to live. The state has excellent hospitals and healthcare, top-rated schools and universities, and a booming economy.
There’s plenty to see and do, history galore, and beautiful beaches or mountains, depending on what type of scenery you prefer. Summers are beautiful, and sports fans will feel right at home.
Moving to Massachusetts from NY
Planning a long-distance move to Massachusetts from New York can feel overwhelming.
Your Hometown Mover can reduce your stress and create a smooth relocation process for you. We have New York and South Florida locations, allowing us to build long-distance moving solutions that work for your family.
We offer expedited delivery options that can get you your shipment within 1 to 3 business days for many moves. We also offer guaranteed pricing. Get a free moving quote today.
Our team will do the heavy lifting so that you can spend less time worrying about your relocation and more time enjoying your new home.
