Compare states / Pennsylvania / to Massachusetts
PA → MA
Moving from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
Pennsylvania vs Massachusetts using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| Pennsylvania | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 3.07% | 9.0% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 6.34% | 6.25% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 1.49% | 1.14% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | No | Yes — 2.25% effective |
| Median home value | $288,697 | $667,829 |
| Tax when you title a car | 6.00% | 6.25% |
| State parks | 124 | 151 |
| National parks | 0 | 0 |
| Population density | 292.0/sq mi | 919.0/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 245.6 | 314.7 |
| Demographics | 74.1% White (non-Hispanic) 8.4% Hispanic 13.1% Black 3.9% Asian | 68.8% White (non-Hispanic) 12.9% Hispanic 7.0% Black 7.2% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 60 | 30 |
| Days to title a car | 20 | 30 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania: Flat 3.07% (local earned-income tax extra). Massachusetts: 5% plus 4% surtax on income over $1M. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $3,684 in Pennsylvania vs $6,000 in Massachusetts. If you earned in both states this year, see PA tax agency and MA tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 3.07% vs 9.0%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in Massachusetts
New Massachusetts residents typically have 30 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 6.25%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,895.00 (tax $1,750.00 + title $75.00 + registration $60.00 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in Massachusetts
Title fee + plate + base registration + 6.25% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in Massachusetts
After you become a Massachusetts resident, you typically have 30 days to get a Massachusetts driver license. Bring your Pennsylvania license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Massachusetts. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official Massachusetts DMV. Pennsylvania plates are not a substitute for Massachusetts registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new Massachusetts residents from Pennsylvania
- Get a MA driver license within 30 days. Bring your PA license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Massachusetts (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official Massachusetts DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 30 days. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally.
- Make sure car insurance meets 25/50/25.
- Register to vote. Typical close: 15 days before an election. Massachusetts elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. PA tax agency · MA tax agency.
- Both Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are in the nurse compact — a multistate license can follow you. Confirm with the board of nursing if you are changing primary residence.
Biggest differences in moving from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts
- Top listed income-tax rate: 3.07% in Pennsylvania vs 9.0% in Massachusetts (lower in Pennsylvania).
- New Massachusetts residents typically have 30 days to get a driver license (60 days is the Pennsylvania window in this file).
- Massachusetts lists a vehicle personal-property tax (2.25% effective); Pennsylvania does not.
- Median home value in the file: $288,697 in Pennsylvania vs $667,829 in Massachusetts.
- Title the car in Massachusetts within 30 days. Pennsylvania plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
Common questions
How does sales tax in Massachusetts compare to Pennsylvania?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 6.34% in Pennsylvania vs 6.25% in Massachusetts. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts?
The top listed rate goes up: 3.07% in Pennsylvania vs 9.0% in Massachusetts. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $3,684 in Pennsylvania vs $6,000 in Massachusetts. Actual bills depend on income, filing status, local tax, credits, and residency timing. This uses 2026 single-filer brackets after a $4,300 exemption per dependent.
How many state and national parks are in Pennsylvania vs Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 124 state parks and 0 national parks in this file. Massachusetts has 151 state parks and 0 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in Massachusetts compare to Pennsylvania?
Population density is 292.0 people per square mile in Pennsylvania vs 919.0 in Massachusetts.
How do Pennsylvania and Massachusetts compare on demographics?
Pennsylvania: 74.1% White (non-Hispanic), 8.4% Hispanic, 13.1% Black, 3.9% Asian. Massachusetts: 68.8% White (non-Hispanic), 12.9% Hispanic, 7.0% Black, 7.2% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to Massachusetts and the reverse route, Massachusetts → Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania → Florida · Massachusetts → Florida · New York → Pennsylvania
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