Virginia Local Expert
Laura Gray
“I arrived in Virginia in 1988 with a teaching job, a love of sunshine, and zero idea I’d still be…”
Read more about me
JourneysMoving Journeys|From VAMoving from Virginia|To MAMoving to Massachusetts|Virginia → Massachusetts
Making the Move from VA to Massachusetts: The Honest Comparison
Trading Southern charm for New England character is a bigger shift than most people anticipate. Virginia offers a gentler pace, lower costs, and mild winters that make the mid-Atlantic feel like a comfortable middle ground between the deep South and the Northeast. Massachusetts, on the other hand, greets newcomers with dense cities, fierce winters, and a regional pride that takes some getting used to. The tax climate changes noticeably, the housing market tightens considerably, and the culture carries a distinct personality all its own. Our Snappy Scout team (Laura & Candice) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle adjustments you should expect long before the moving truck pulls out of the driveway.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
The Moving Truck Road from Virginia to MA
Average distance
650miles
Typical route
The drive from Virginia to Massachusetts typically takes you along I-95 North, which serves as the primary corridor through the Mid-Atlantic and into New England.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Richmond, VA → Boston, MA
~600 miles
Virginia Beach, VA → Boston, MA
~700 miles
Norfolk, VA → Worcester, MA
~700 miles
Roanoke, VA → Boston, MA
~750 miles
Arlington, VA → Springfield, MA
~600 miles
Should You Move From Virginia to Massachusetts Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Massachusetts from Virginia is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
What Will a Virginia to MA Cross-State Move Honestly Cost You?
Moving 650 miles from Virginia to Massachusetts will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
3–10days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,260.00
1 Bedroom
$1,870.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,070.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,450.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,390.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,100.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,260.00 | 300 | $4.2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870.00 | 450 | $4.16 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070.00 | 750 | $4.09 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,450.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,390.00 | 1,600 | $3.99 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,100.00 | 1,800 | $3.94 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
How Will Your Current Virginia Lifestyle Work in MA?
Well, it depends. If you're a Wall Street Exec, Retired Snowbird, or Coffee Snob, you'll thrive in your move to Massachusetts. But if you're more of a Retired Military, DIYer, or CrossFit Regular, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Virginia to Massachusetts.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from VA to MA
Wall Street Life
Virginia
4
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Big deals adjacent, but not Manhattan. Expect federal contractors.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Financial District thrives, State Street and Fidelity reign.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Wall Street Execs
Virginia
4
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Snowbirds
Virginia
3.5
/10
Massachusetts
5.5
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Lovely First Landing walks, but winter chills send friends to St. Pete.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Summer paradise, but winters still freeze you out.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
Cape CodMartha's Vineyard
Virginia
3.5
/10
Massachusetts
5.5
/10
Coffee Culture
Virginia
8
/10
Massachusetts
9.5
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Lamplighter roasts, Northside Social, Cafe Stella mornings.
Massachusetts
Gaining
A plethora of local coffee shops for you to choose from.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Coffee Snobs
CambridgeSomervilleNorthampton
Virginia
8
/10
Massachusetts
9.5
/10
Military Culture
Virginia
7
/10
Massachusetts
4
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Naval Station Norfolk, Oceana, Quantico clinics and community.
Massachusetts
Gaining
VA services solid, but fewer bases than elsewhere.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Retired Militaries
SpringfieldBoston
Virginia
7
/10
Massachusetts
4
/10
DIYers
Virginia
7.5
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Habitat ReStore hauls and Carytown salvage treasures.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Affordable fixers, creative warehouse spaces available.
Recommended MA cities/areas for DIYers
WorcesterLowell
Virginia
7.5
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Fitness
Virginia
7.5
/10
Massachusetts
7
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Boxes near Town Center, Del Ray, and Mill Mountain.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Gyms packed with competitive fitness junkies.
Recommended MA cities/areas for CrossFit Regulars
BostonCambridge
Virginia
7.5
/10
Massachusetts
7
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Massachusetts?
This is a tough one, but I have to fall back to the annual voyage to the Cape. This is a pretty standard trip for folks every summer. And no matter which route you choose, you'll be sure to sit in heavy traffic. But it's the quintessential road trip. Plenty of time to enjoy your best CDs and snacks along the way.
– Candice Hallsett
Massachusetts Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Virginia and living in Massachusetts
VirginiaMassachusetts
How the Local Food Culture Differs Between Virginia and MA
Eating Like a Local in Virginia
What do locals actually order in the Hampton Roads area: White dip with their Mexican chips, She Crab Soup, and an Orange Crush, a one-of-a-kind kind of drink.
Laura GrayVirginia Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Massachusetts
We have some really fabulous local ethnic restaurants. Any type of food you desire, you're sure to find it. From Cambodian, Ghanaian, to Brazilian, you'll find some excellent dishes to try. Grab a pupusa from a Salvadorean spot. It's cheap and delish!
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local ExpertHow Moving to MA from Virginia Hits Your Taxes
Virginia
Massachusetts
VirginiavsMassachusetts
State Income Tax
State Income TaxProgressive 2% to 5.75%, top rate over $17k income
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Virginia
Progressive 2% to 5.75%, top rate over $17k income
VS
Massachusetts
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Property Taxes
Property TaxesHigher in Northern Virginia suburbs, lower in Shenandoah, Southside, Eastern Shore
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
Virginia
Higher in Northern Virginia suburbs, lower in Shenandoah, Southside, Eastern Shore
VS
Massachusetts
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
What Shifts About People, Politics, & Religion When You Move to MA from Virginia
Virginia
Massachusetts
VirginiavsMassachusetts
People
PeoplePolite, history obsessed, NOVA fast paced, coastal easygoing, mountain neighborly, military strong
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Virginia
Polite, history obsessed, NOVA fast paced, coastal easygoing, mountain neighborly, military strong
VS
Massachusetts
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Politics
Purple statewide, NOVA, Richmond, Hampton Roads blue, Southwest, Shenandoah, Southside reliably red
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Virginia
Purple statewide, NOVA, Richmond, Hampton Roads blue, Southwest, Shenandoah, Southside reliably red
VS
Massachusetts
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, Baptist and Catholic strong, rising unaffiliated, notable Muslim and Hindu in NOVA
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
Virginia
Mostly Christian, Baptist and Catholic strong, rising unaffiliated, notable Muslim and Hindu in NOVA
VS
Massachusetts
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
What the Climate Look Like in Virginia vs MA
SUMMER
Virginia
sweet tea sauna (Chesapeake breathes on you, Roanoke bakes by noon)
Massachusetts
sticky brick oven vibes (humid 90s along the coast)
WINTER
Virginia
coat roulette (Blue Ridge bites, Hampton Roads shrugs and rains)
Massachusetts
layered like a human onion (single digits with windchill in January)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Massachusetts
Winter: If I had to find something positive to say about our winters, I'd say official Snow Days! Otherwise, it's pretty bleak. I guess it also looks pretty before the snow plows get dirty snow everywhere.
Spring: Winter's over! And we have GORGEOUS weather.
Summer: The fact that we have the Cape. Everyone travels there (unless they already live there) in the summer.
Fall: No brainer...the foliage. Even on your everyday commute in town, it's breathtaking to witness.
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Massachusetts
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Virginia, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Massachusetts. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Massachusetts local experts.
Moving toBoston
Prep Your Wallet and Drop Your R's
