State Comparison
New Jersey vs Massachusetts
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Both states are evenly matched, each winning in 8 metrics — your decision should depend on which factors matter most to you.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $470,000 in New Jersey vs $580,000 in Massachusetts — a $110,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: New Jersey has a 10.75% top income tax rate while Massachusetts has a 9% top rate. Property tax rates are 2.23% vs 1.23%.
- 4
Cost of Living: New Jersey's index is 115.2 and Massachusetts's is 135 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real New Jersey and Massachusetts data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey or Massachusetts more affordable?
New Jersey has a lower cost of living index (115.2) compared to Massachusetts (135), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — New Jersey or Massachusetts?
Overall, Massachusetts has a lower combined tax burden. New Jersey has a 10.75% top income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has a 9% top income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.23% property tax.
What are housing costs in New Jersey vs Massachusetts?
The median home price in New Jersey is $470,000 compared to $580,000 in Massachusetts. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,590/month in New Jersey vs $1,890/month in Massachusetts.
Which state is better for starting a business — New Jersey or Massachusetts?
LLC filing costs are $125 in New Jersey vs $500 in Massachusetts, with annual fees of $75 and $500 respectively. New Jersey's 10.75% top tax rate compared to Massachusetts's 9% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from New Jersey to Massachusetts?
It depends on your priorities. Massachusetts wins in 8 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing New Jersey and Massachusetts
When deciding between living in New Jersey or Massachusetts, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
New Jersey (NJ) has a median household income of $89,296 with a cost of living index of 115.2. Massachusetts (MA) has a median household income of $89,645 with a cost of living index of 135.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free New Jersey calculator or Massachusetts calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.