Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from New York to Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax, while New York charges progressive 4-10.9% state rates plus NYC adds 3.078-3.876% city tax. Moving from NYC to Boston saves $4,335/year on $100k income. Massachusetts has lower property taxes (1.15% vs NY 1.72%) and much lower sales tax (6.25% vs 8.52%). Overall, Massachusetts offers significant tax savings for mid-to-high earners. The NYC-Boston corridor sees bidirectional migration driven by finance/tech career moves.
Progressive + NYC Tax
State 4-10.9% + NYC 3.078-3.876%
Flat Rate
Flat 5% on all income
At $100,000 income:
That is $361/month back in your pocket!
| Income | NY Tax | MA Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,540 | $2,500 | $1,040 | $10,400 |
| $100,000 | $9,335 | $5,000 | $4,335 | $43,350 |
| $200,000 | $19,854 | $10,000 | $9,854 | $98,540 |
| $500,000 | $55,476 | $25,000 | $30,476 | $304,760 |
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Moving from New York to Massachusetts? Multi-state returns are tricky—NYC city tax, partial-year residency, different deadlines. Get matched with a CPA who specializes in state moves.
⚠ Not for simple single-state returns. Free filing is fine for straightforward W-2 situations.
Get Matched With a CPA →On $100,000 income, Boston saves $4,335/year in income tax (NYC 9.93% vs Boston 5%). Over 10 years: $43,350. On $500,000 income: $30,476/year ($304,760 over 10 years). Even with higher property taxes, Boston's flat 5% results in 14-17% lower overall tax burden for mid-to-high earners. Renters benefit most (Boston rent 33% cheaper).
Manhattan property tax is unusually low: ~0.9% (special NYC assessment system). Boston: ~1.2-1.3%. However, NYC outer boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn) have higher rates 1.0-1.1%, similar to Boston. Overall, property taxes are roughly similar for NYC-Boston comparison. Statewide, MA 1.15% vs NY 1.72% (NY higher).
Yes, bidirectional. In 2023, 12,847 people moved NY → MA and 11,392 moved MA → NY (net: MA gained 1,455). Flow concentrated in NYC-Boston corridor, driven by career moves between finance/tech hubs. People move NY → MA for: lower taxes, Harvard/MIT, biotech jobs. People move MA → NY for: Wall Street careers, world-class culture, diversity.
Boston/Cambridge wins for biotech (Kendall Square #1 globally), lower taxes (5% vs NYC 9.93%), and work-life balance. NYC wins for fintech, higher salaries, and career advancement. Both have world-class universities. Choose Boston for biotech/lower taxes. Choose NYC for finance/media/maximum career growth.