Compare two states. Get one clear Move Score.
See cost of living, housing, taxes, crime, jobs, health, education, weather, and sunshine side‑by‑side. Our weighted model turns it into a single score you can actually act on.
Pros: State A
Cons
Pros: State B
Cons
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | State A | State B |
|---|
How we score
We normalize each metric across all 50 states, invert where “lower is better” (like cost, crime, taxes), and weight them by importance. A logistic mapping produces a 0–100 Move Score. Read more in our About.
What to consider
Costs, safety, weather, and jobs matter—but so do community, family, and lifestyle. Use this as a starting point, not the final word.
Export & share
Download your comparison as CSV for spreadsheets, or print a clean summary for your moving binder.
How to use this tool
- Pick two states from the dropdowns.
- Scan the Move Scores and the green ▲ / red ▼ arrows per metric.
- Read the summary + Pros/Cons to see why one fits you better.
Tip: export CSV and share it with family or a realtor to align on the move.
What goes into the Move Score
- Affordability: cost of living, housing, property taxes
- Opportunity: median income, job growth
- Quality of life: crime (safety), health, education
- Climate vibe: average temp, sunny days
Weights reflect common priorities; you can still choose differently based on your goals.
When the “runner‑up” can still win
Even if a state scores lower overall, it might be the better choice for you if:
- You value lower taxes more than income or sunshine.
- You prefer a milder climate even if housing costs more.
- Your industry has a stronger job base in the lower‑scoring state.
Moving cost checklist (ballpark)
Before you move
- Packing materials: $50–$300
- Truck/movers deposit: $100–$600
- Utility deposits: $0–$400
During the move
- Local movers: $400–$1,500
- Long‑distance: $1,500–$6,000+
- Storage (monthly): $60–$250
After you arrive
- New licenses/registration: $30–$300
- Cleaning/repairs: $50–$500
- Starter groceries/household: $150–$400
These are general ranges; get quotes for your timeline, distance, and home size.
Research costs the right way
Look past headline indexes: housing, insurance, and taxes can flip the math.
Understand safety without hype
Compare multi‑year trends and metro vs statewide numbers.
Weather, beyond the average
Humidity, heat index, severe seasons—choose what you’ll actually enjoy.
FAQs (quick answers)
Is the data official?
Numbers are illustrative proxies for demo purposes. Use this to compare patterns, then verify with official sources (Census, BLS, FBI, state sites).
Can I change how the score is weighted?
Not yet, but we’re planning a custom‑weight mode so you can prioritize safety, taxes, or weather.
What’s the fastest way to pick?
Choose 3 must‑haves (e.g., under 110 cost index, low crime, good job growth) and see which state clears them. Use the CSV to discuss with your household.
Smart state‑picking playbook
- Filter by non‑negotiables: pick your budget range, crime comfort level, and climate bands first.
- Shortlist 3–5 states: run side‑by‑side comparisons and read the pros/cons for each.
- Reality check: sample rental prices, insurance quotes, and taxes for your household size.
- Try before you buy: plan a 3–5 day visit during a typical weather month, not peak vacation season.
Decision rule of thumb: if a state fails two of your top three must‑haves, remove it—even if the score is close.
Lease vs. buy: quick guide
- Lease if you need flexibility to learn neighborhoods.
- Buy if you’ll stay 3–5 years and closing costs can be recouped.
- Estimate break‑even by comparing rent to PITI + upkeep.
Ask lenders for total cash to close + APR, not just rate.
School & safety research
- Compare district report cards and boundary maps.
- Check multi‑year crime trends and daylight patterns.
- Walk the area at different hours; talk to neighbors.
Taxes to consider
- State income tax (or none), brackets, and credits.
- Property tax rate & assessment method; homestead rules.
- Sales tax, vehicle tax, and insurance premiums.
Commute & lifestyle fit
- Map commute at rush hour; build a weekly time budget.
- Distance to groceries, parks, gyms, childcare.
- Outdoor access and climate you’ll actually use.
Healthcare basics
- Check insurer network & nearest urgent care.
- Ask about new‑patient wait times for primary care.
- Compare pharmacy access and after‑hours options.
Remote worker essentials
- Internet: plan for 200–500 Mbps down, 20–35 up.
- Noise: test calls at different times of day.
- Time zones: overlap with your team & clients.
90‑day move timeline
Days 90–60
- Budget & shortlist states; request quotes.
- Book movers or a truck; reserve storage if needed.
- Start documents: IDs, school records, medical.
Days 60–30
- Give notice to landlord; schedule utilities.
- Declutter & donate; order packing supplies.
- Confirm property walkthrough or inspections.
Days 30–0
- Pack room‑by‑room; label by room & priority.
- First‑night box: bedding, chargers, toiletries, basics.
- Recheck travel routes, weather, and check‑in times.
Registration & documents
- DMV: license & registration; emissions if required.
- Voter registration & polling info.
- Pet rules: vaccines, local registration.
How we score
Methodology, weights, and what each metric means.
Ask a question
Ideas for new metrics or features? Tell us.
Neighborhood scouting playbook
Daylight checks
- Time a run to groceries, pharmacy, and school.
- Note traffic patterns near rush hours.
- Listen for trains, airports, highways.
Night checks
- Walk main streets—lighting & activity level.
- Parking availability & noise after 9pm.
- Delivery times and condo/HOA quiet rules.
Errand realism
- Try your weekly errands in the new area.
- Test mobile coverage & data speeds.
- Check curbside pickup and local hours.
Seasonal & disaster readiness
- Heat & humidity: AC efficiency, shade, cooling centers.
- Snow & ice: plowing routes, garage/covered parking.
- Storms: hurricane/wildfire/flood zones & alerts.
Hidden costs after you move
- Vehicle registration, emissions, and plate fees.
- Tolls & transponders; commuter passes.
- HOA dues, city permits, and utility deposits.
Insurance snapshot
- Home/condo/renter: deductibles, wind/hail riders.
- Auto: new garaging ZIP can change rates.
- Flood: required in some zones even if rare.
Ask for bundled quotes and replacement‑cost coverage.
Life‑stage quick guides
Families
- School boundaries & bus routes.
- Playgrounds, libraries, after‑school options.
- Healthcare pediatrics & urgent care times.
Remote pros
- Gigabit options, power reliability, coworking.
- Noise profile for calls; backup hotspot plan.
- Time‑zone overlap with team & clients.
Retirees / students
- Low‑maintenance housing & transit access.
- Continuing‑ed & campus safety policies.
- Community groups & volunteer networks.
Renting checklist
- ID, income docs, references ready.
- Walkthrough photos before move‑in.
- Understand fees: app, admin, pet, parking.
Pet relocation tips
- Vet records & microchip update.
- Local breed/weight rules & deposits.
- Travel carrier and calm routine plan.
Accessibility & health
- Sidewalks/curb cuts, elevator reliability.
- Clinic specialists and wait times.
- Paratransit and pharmacy delivery options.
Read numbers like a pro
- Avoid cherry‑picking: compare the same year and geography.
- Metro vs state averages can differ a lot—check both.
- Use 3–5 year trends to catch outliers and anomalies.
This tool gives a fast, normalized comparison. Validate big decisions with official sources and quotes.
Housing market snapshot
- Collect 10 rentals + 10 sales in target ZIPs.
- Note HOA dues, insurance, taxes, and age of roof/HVAC.
- Price per sq ft and commute time vs your baseline.
Rent-to-income guardrails
- Aim for ≤ 30% of gross income on rent or PITI.
- Add buffers for utilities, car insurance, and groceries.
- Stress-test: 10% price rise or job gap for 2 months.
Cost cutters you control
- Compare utility plans; avoid peak time-of-use prices.
- Bundle insurance; raise deductibles (budget an emergency fund).
- Cancel unused memberships; negotiate internet annually.
Local laws & fees
- Short‑term rental & subletting rules.
- Permit requirements for fences, sheds, or renovations.
- Vehicle emissions & inspection schedules.
Utilities & energy
- Rate plan types: fixed, variable, time‑of‑use.
- Green add‑ons: community solar, RECs, wind credits.
- Outage history; average restoration times.
Transportation modes
- Walkability: errands within 15 minutes?
- Transit: frequency, reliability, safety.
- Bike lanes & protected paths near work/school.
Community & culture fit
- City events calendar, farmers markets, rec centers.
- Library card perks: makerspaces, passes, classes.
- Volunteer orgs & meetup groups that match your interests.
One‑week trial itinerary
- Mon–Tue: commute tests at rush hour.
- Wed–Thu: tour schools, clinics, and gyms.
- Fri–Sun: neighborhood walks + local events.
School transfers (K‑12)
- Request transcripts, IEP/504 copies if applicable.
- Vaccination forms & emergency contacts updated.
- Confirm boundary schools and bus eligibility.
Senior care & support
- Primary & specialist access; wait times.
- Adult day programs & home‑care agencies.
- Senior transit & meal services coverage.
Outdoor & recreation
- Trail networks, public waterfronts, dog parks.
- Season passes (ski, pool, rec centers).
- Air quality and allergy seasons.
Food budget reality
- Compare 10‑item grocery basket across stores.
- Check delivery fees & memberships (Instacart, etc.).
- Local cuisines & farmer market schedules.
Internet providers quick scan
- Two wired options minimum (cable + fiber preferred).
- Test latency and upload for video calls.
- Ask about data caps and equipment fees.
Home risk checks
- Radon map & test kit for basements.
- Termite risk & wood‑destroying organism reports.
- Seismic, flood, and wildfire hazard layers.
Ultimate moving checklist
From boxes to utilities—don’t miss a step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does StateCompare help me choose where to live?
We analyze cost of living, crime, climate, jobs, healthcare, education, and overall quality-of-life signals to help you make confident relocation decisions.
Is the data independent and unbiased?
Yes. We compile objective data sources and present transparent research guidance—no paid influence or sponsored city rankings.
Can I use this tool for long‑distance or cross‑state moves?
Absolutely. StateCompare is designed for moves across the U.S. and helps compare states on the factors that matter most.