Massachusetts
About 14,000 Californians moved to Massachusetts in 2024, the number 16 destination out of California. Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax (tax year 2026), plus an additional 4% surtax on taxable income above $1,107,750.
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Taxes
Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax (tax year 2026), plus an additional 4% surtax on taxable income above $1,107,750. The 4% surtax took effect in tax year 2023 and its threshold is adjusted for inflation each year. Proposition 2 1/2 limits annual growth in local property tax levies, and some cities and towns offer an optional residential exemption for owner-occupied homes. See the Massachusetts revenue department for current rules.
California's top marginal rate is 13.3% (tax year 2026). Massachusetts's published rates are lower, but brackets, deductions, credits and any local income taxes differ, so the real difference depends on income and situation. A CPA can run the numbers both ways.
Moving out of California generally doesn't take the sale of a California home out of California's tax reach. Our guide to selling your LA home and moving out of state covers withholding at closing, the capital gains exclusion and the questions to bring to a CPA.
What to check before you go
- Property tax. Rates and assessments are set locally in Massachusetts, and many places offer an exemption or credit on a primary residence. Look up the specific address with the county or local assessor before you budget.
- Homeowners insurance. Premiums depend on the address, the home and the coverage. Get quotes on a specific property early, before you commit to a purchase.
- Vehicle registration and license. New residents generally have a limited window to register a car and get a driver's license in Massachusetts. Check the deadline with the state motor vehicle agency.
- Your last California tax year. The year you move usually means a part-year California return, and the sale of a California home can still be taxed by California. Bring the dates to a CPA.
The full list, in the order people usually tackle it, is in our moving out of California checklist.
The nearest markets we track
We don't have Massachusetts price data yet. This is the closest city we do cover, measured against a typical LA County zip code.
| City | Median sale price | $/sq ft | Median days on market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical LA County zip | $904K | $588 | 44 |
| New York, NY | $899K | $639 | 68 |
Redfin Data Center. Cities: May 2026, all residential. LA: median of LA County zip-code medians, Mar 2026 to May 2026.
Common questions
How many people move from California to Massachusetts?
About 13,810 people (plus or minus 2,866) moved from California to Massachusetts in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the number 16 destination for people leaving California.
Does Massachusetts have a state income tax?
Yes. Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax (tax year 2026), plus an additional 4% surtax on taxable income above $1,107,750. California's top marginal rate is 13.3% (tax year 2026). Confirm current rates with the Massachusetts revenue department and a CPA.
What should I check before moving from California to Massachusetts?
Start with property tax on the specific address, homeowners insurance quotes, the deadline to register a car and get a driver's license in Massachusetts, and how your last California tax year and the sale of your LA home will be handled. Our moving out of California checklist covers the rest.
Mover counts: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 state-to-state migration flows (people who lived in California one year earlier). Estimates have margins of error. Market figures: Redfin Data Center.
