State Comparison

Massachusetts vs New Jersey

New Jersey is cheaper overall, while $100 goes further in Massachusetts, New Jersey has higher incomes, Massachusetts has lower state income tax, and Massachusetts gets more sunshine.

Massachusetts

MA • Northeast

Better quality of life

Quality of Life Score

60.23

New Jersey

NJ • Northeast

Quality of Life Score

59.81

Massachusetts

14 / 31

metrics won

Score

New Jersey

17 / 31

metrics won

Wins

NJ wins Housing

MA wins Quality of Life

NJ wins Climate

NJ wins Demographics

Quality of Life

Composite score — income, affordability, education, health, and safety.

Massachusetts winner

60.23

New Jersey

59.81

Massachusetts scores higher on quality of life — 0.42 points difference.

Quick Take

Massachusetts vs New Jersey

This quick read mixes affordability, housing, income, politics, density, and climate so the biggest tradeoffs show up fast.

New Jersey has a larger population than Massachusetts by 2,259,077 people.
New Jersey has the lower cost-of-living index. New Jersey is at 121.7, while Massachusetts is at 148.8.
After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $95.55 of local buying power in Massachusetts, versus $93.45 in New Jersey.
New Jersey has the higher median household income at $97,126, compared with $96,505 in Massachusetts.

Overview

Key differences overview

These cards keep the comparison factual first, so the biggest tradeoffs in affordability, housing, taxes, politics, climate, and day-to-day living are easy to scan.

Overall Affordability

New Jersey is 27.1 points cheaper overall

New Jersey has the lower cost-of-living index. New Jersey is at 121.7, while Massachusetts is at 148.8.

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Real Dollar Value

$100 goes $2.10 further in Massachusetts

After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $95.55 of local buying power in Massachusetts, versus $93.45 in New Jersey.

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Income

New Jersey income is 0.6% higher

New Jersey has the higher median household income at $97,126, compared with $96,505 in Massachusetts.

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Jobs

New Jersey has the higher minimum wage

New Jersey has the higher statewide minimum wage at $15.92/hr, compared with $15.00/hr in Massachusetts.

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Housing

Massachusetts homes cost about 1.3x more

New Jersey has the lower median home value at $400,900, versus $510,400 in Massachusetts.

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Taxes

Massachusetts has lower state income tax

Massachusetts has the lower state income tax rate. Its top rate is 5.00%, compared with 10.75% in New Jersey.

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Full Comparison

Pick a category to focus on. General shows the most important facts at a glance.

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Capital City The official state capital.	Boston	Trenton	Details ->
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Blue	Solid Blue	Details ->
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	7,029,917	9,288,994	Details ->
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$96,505	$97,126	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	148.8	121.7	Details ->
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$510,400	$400,900	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	1.07%	2.11%	Details ->
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	5.00%	10.75%	Details ->
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$15.00/hr	$15.92/hr	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.933/gal	$4.093/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	31.16 c/kWh	23.13 c/kWh	Details ->
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	60.23	59.81	Details ->
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	47.9°F	52.7°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	98 days	94 days	Details ->
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	10,554 sq mi	8,723 sq mi	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	666.1 per sq mi	1,064.9 per sq mi	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	February 6, 1788 (#6)	December 18, 1787 (#3)	Details ->

Population -> Median Income -> Cost of Living -> Median Housing Value -> Property Tax -> State Income Tax -> Minimum Wage -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Livability Score -> Average Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Land Area -> Population Density ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	7,029,917	9,288,994	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	666.1 per sq mi	1,064.9 per sq mi	Details ->
Bachelor's Degree Adults age 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher (ACS 2023).	47.8%	43.8%	Details ->
Advanced Degree Adults age 25+ with a graduate or professional degree (ACS 2023).	22.4%	17.5%	Details ->

Population -> Population Density -> Bachelor's Degree -> Advanced Degree ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$15.00/hr	$15.92/hr	Details ->

Minimum Wage ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	60.23	59.81	Details ->
Best State to Live In Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.	60.23	59.81	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	148.8	121.7	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.933/gal	$4.093/gal	Details ->
Gas Tax State gasoline excise tax in cents per gallon. Lower = lower state fuel tax burden.	24.00 c/gal	42.40 c/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	31.16 c/kWh	23.13 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	30.4 min	31.4 min	Details ->

Livability Score -> Best State to Live In -> Cost of Living -> Gas Price -> Gas Tax -> Electricity Rates -> Commute Time ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	47.9°F	52.7°F	Details ->
Summer Temperature Average statewide summer temperature across June, July, and August.	68.0°F	72.2°F	Details ->
Winter Temperature Average statewide winter temperature across December, January, and February.	27.4°F	33.0°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	98 days	94 days	Details ->
Annual Precipitation Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.	47.7 in	47.1 in	Details ->

Average Temperature -> Summer Temperature -> Winter Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Annual Precipitation ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$510,400	$400,900	Details ->
Median Gross Rent Median gross monthly rent in U.S. dollars.	$1,678/mo	$1,576/mo	Details ->
Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households with a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Owner Costs Without Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households without a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Homeownership Rate Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied.	62.8%	64.0%	Details ->
Home Value to Income Ratio Median home value divided by median household income.	5.29x	4.13x	Details ->
Rent to Income Ratio Annualized median gross rent as a share of median household income.	20.9%	19.5%	Details ->
Owner Costs to Income Median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income (ACS 2023).	19.5%	20.0%	Details ->

Median Housing Value -> Median Gross Rent -> Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage -> Owner Costs Without Mortgage -> Homeownership Rate -> Home Value to Income Ratio -> Rent to Income Ratio -> Owner Costs to Income ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	5.00%	10.75%	Details ->
State Sales Tax State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).	6.25%	6.62%	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	1.07%	2.11%	Details ->

State Income Tax -> State Sales Tax -> Property Tax ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Blue	Solid Blue	Details ->
Presidential Voting Margin Signed 2024 presidential margin in percentage points (positive = Democratic, negative = Republican).	Dem +25.20	Dem +5.88	Details ->
Swing State / Battleground Whether the state was part of the core 2024 battleground map.	Not a battleground	Not a battleground	Details ->
Governor Party Current governor's party (NCSL partisan composition, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Democratic	Details ->
State House Control Current partisan control of the lower legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Democratic	Details ->
State Senate Control Current partisan control of the upper legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Democratic	Details ->
Trifecta Whether one party controls the governorship and both legislative chambers (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic Trifecta	Democratic Trifecta	Details ->

Presidential Voting Margin ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Gun Laws Status Simplified statewide gun-law label based on current Giffords grades: A to B = Restrictive, C to F = Permissive (scorecard modified February 20, 2026).	Restrictive	Restrictive	Details ->
Alcohol Laws Whether the state uses a control-state or license-state model for distilled-spirit sales (NABCA directory accessed April 6, 2026).	License State	License State	Details ->
Marijuana Legalization Current statewide marijuana status: Legal, Medical, or Illegal (NCSL state cannabis laws page updated June 27, 2025).	Legal	Legal	Details ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	10,554 sq mi	8,723 sq mi	Details ->
Highest Point Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.	Mount Greylock (3,491 ft)	High Point (1,803 ft)	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	February 6, 1788 (#6)	December 18, 1787 (#3)	Details ->
Capital City The official state capital.	Boston	Trenton	Details ->
Region U.S. Census Bureau geographic region.	Northeast	Northeast	Details ->

Land Area -> Highest Point ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Life Expectancy Life expectancy at birth in years (CDC 2021).	80.0 yrs	79.3 yrs	Details ->
Older Adult Health Outcomes Composite score for comparing state health outcomes for older adults, using life expectancy, insurance coverage, and obesity prevalence.	88.9	75.6	Details ->
Uninsured Rate Share of residents without health insurance coverage.	2.6%	7.2%	Details ->
Obesity Rate Adult obesity prevalence.	27.0%	27.7%	Details ->

Life Expectancy -> Older Adult Health Outcomes -> Uninsured Rate -> Obesity Rate ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Violent Crime Rate Violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR 2022).	283.3	188.9	Details ->
Property Crime Rate Property crime incidents per 100,000 residents.	1086.4	1426.5	Details ->

Violent Crime Rate -> Property Crime Rate ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$96,505	$97,126	Details ->
Regional Price Parity Official price level relative to the national average (100 = U.S. average).	110.4	112.9	Details ->
Purchasing Power of $100 Real local value of $100 after adjusting for BEA Regional Price Parities.	$95.55	$93.45	Details ->
Poverty Rate Share of residents below the federal poverty line (ACS 2023).	10.4%	9.7%	Details ->
Employment/Population Ratio Employed civilian population as a share of the adult population (ACS 2023).	64.4%	63.6%	Details ->
Unemployment Rate Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (BLS, December 2025).	4.8%	5.4%	Details ->
Job Growth Change in total nonfarm payroll employment from December 2024 to December 2025 (BLS).	0.0%	0.2%	Details ->

Median Income -> Regional Price Parity -> Purchasing Power of $100 -> Poverty Rate -> Employment/Population Ratio -> Unemployment Rate -> Job Growth ->

Metric	MA	NJ	Deep dive
Retirement Score Composite score for comparing states for retirement, combining affordability, taxes, housing, health, safety, and winter climate.	56.2	51.3	Details ->

Retirement Score ->

Intent-Oriented

Which state fits your priorities better?

Use these cards as decision shortcuts for common goals like saving money, buying a home, finding better weather, or optimizing for work and family life.

Saving Money

New Jersey is cheaper overall

Overall cost-of-living index: 121.7 vs 148.8 in Massachusetts. On a national baseline of 100, the lower score usually means cheaper day-to-day expenses.

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Gas Price

Massachusetts is cheaper at the pump

Average regular gas price: $3.933/gal in Massachusetts vs $4.093/gal in New Jersey. Lower pump prices can cut everyday driving costs.

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Minimum Wage

New Jersey has the higher minimum wage

State minimum wage: $15.92/hr in New Jersey vs $15.00/hr in Massachusetts. That matters most for hourly, entry-level, and part-time workers.

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Electricity Rates

New Jersey has cheaper electricity

Average residential electricity rate: 23.13 c/kWh in New Jersey vs 31.16 c/kWh in Massachusetts. Lower cents-per-kWh pricing can help keep utility bills down.

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Buying a Home

New Jersey is more attainable for buyers

Home-value-to-income ratio: 4.13x in New Jersey vs 5.29x in Massachusetts. A lower ratio means the median home is easier to afford on a median income.

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Renting

New Jersey is easier for renters

Rent-to-income ratio: 19.5% in New Jersey vs 20.9% in Massachusetts. A lower percentage means rent takes a smaller bite out of a typical household budget.

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Property Tax

Massachusetts has lower property taxes

Effective property tax rate: 1.07% in Massachusetts vs 2.11% in New Jersey. A lower rate usually means a smaller yearly tax bill relative to home value.

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State Color

Massachusetts votes bluer

2024 presidential margin: Dem +25.20 in Massachusetts vs Dem +5.88 in New Jersey.

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Lower Taxes

Massachusetts has lower income taxes

Top state income tax rate: 5.00% in Massachusetts vs 10.75% in New Jersey.

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More Space

Massachusetts feels less crowded

Population density: 666.1 per sq mi in Massachusetts vs 1,064.9 per sq mi in New Jersey. Lower density usually means more space and less day-to-day congestion.

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Shorter Commute

Massachusetts has the shorter commute

Average commute: 30.4 min in Massachusetts vs 31.4 min in New Jersey.

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Job Opportunities

Massachusetts looks better for job seekers

Unemployment rate: 4.8% in Massachusetts vs 5.4% in New Jersey.

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Remote Workers

Massachusetts looks better for remote workers

Livability score: 60.23 in Massachusetts vs 59.81 in New Jersey. Massachusetts also has the shorter average commute.

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Families

Massachusetts looks better for families

Massachusetts wins more family-oriented signals in this matchup, including life expectancy, uninsured rate, bachelor's degree compared with New Jersey.

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Warmer Climate

New Jersey is warmer overall

Average annual temperature: 52.7°F in New Jersey vs 47.9°F in Massachusetts.

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More Sunshine

Massachusetts gets more sun

Sunny days per year: 98 days in Massachusetts vs 94 days in New Jersey.

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Detailed Metric Pages

Grouped tabs keep the deep-dive links tighter and easier to scan.

Population

New Jersey has a larger population than Massachusetts by 2,259,077 people.

Population Density

New Jersey is more densely populated than Massachusetts.

Bachelor's Degree

Massachusetts has a higher college-educated share than New Jersey.

Advanced Degree

Massachusetts has a higher advanced-degree share than New Jersey.

Massachusetts vs New Jersey - Common Questions

Q Is Massachusetts cheaper to live in than New Jersey?

New Jersey has the lower cost of living. On the national index (100 = average), New Jersey scores 121.7 versus 148.8 for Massachusetts - a gap of 27.1 points.

Q Where does $100 go further - Massachusetts or New Jersey?

$100 goes further in Massachusetts. After BEA regional price adjustments, $100 is worth about $95.55 in Massachusetts, compared with $93.45 in New Jersey.

Q Which state is bigger - Massachusetts or New Jersey?

Massachusetts is larger, covering 10,554 sq mi compared with 8,723 sq mi for New Jersey - roughly 1.2x the size.

Q Does Massachusetts or New Jersey have more people?

New Jersey has the larger population at 9,288,994, compared with 7,029,917 in Massachusetts.

Q Which state has higher household income - Massachusetts or New Jersey?

New Jersey has the higher median household income at $97,126, versus $96,505 in Massachusetts.

Q Which state has lower income taxes - Massachusetts or New Jersey?

Massachusetts has the lower state income tax top rate at 5.00%, compared with 10.75% in New Jersey.

Q Is housing cheaper in Massachusetts or New Jersey?

Homes are cheaper in New Jersey, where the median home value is $400,900, versus $510,400 in Massachusetts.

Q Which state is more densely populated - Massachusetts or New Jersey?

New Jersey is more densely populated at 1,064.9 per sq mi people per sq mi. Massachusetts is more spread out at 666.1 per sq mi people per sq mi.

Related Comparisons

Connecticut vs New Jersey

Maine vs New Jersey

Methodology

All figures are sourced from U.S. government datasets and updated annually. Page last updated: April 2026.

Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files and statehood dates from the National Archives. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker. See our editorial policy for how we review and update these pages.