As seen above, the top ten cities that Americans are moving out of consist of many large, coastal metropolitan hubs. These are cities known for high rents, density, and pressurized job markets — but where’s Boston?

Massachusetts doesn’t appear among the top outbound states within this dataset, and this other data explains why. 

Massachusetts sits near the top of the region at roughly $99,000 median yearly household income, which falls well above the national median of $83,730, per the most recent U.S. Census data released in September 2025.

A high median income, which is often read as a strength, is becoming a warning sign for Massachusetts optimists. 

Massachusetts also consistently ranks among the most expensive states in the country in terms of housing and cost of living. 

So, therein lies the question: If the cost of city living is driving people out of Los Angeles and New York, why isn’t it driving people out of Boston or Massachusetts at the same rate?

Nearly half of Massachusetts residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average of 33–38 percent.

Education levels often align with more executive and lucrative labor markets. Massachusetts’ history of being a beacon of evolution in the sectors of higher education, biotechnology, health care, finance, and technology 

Education often means higher earnings, which in turn elevate housing competition and costs. Yet, the state remains comparatively stable in terms of outbound migration. 

Data from 1920 to 1996 suggests that the Massachusetts population has been in slow decline, but not as sharply as those in the top 10.

Nationally, migration patterns have been suggesting that Americans crave affordable housing. While Massachusetts shares a similar cost pressure, it provides a higher number of economic opportunities to its citizens. 

The state’s high concentration of universities and research hospitals acts as a stabilizer, or almost an incentive, for many residents. 

Considering professional access and long-term earning potential may offset short-term financial concerns, such as housing, the cost of leaving may be higher than the cost of staying, even if Massachusetts has the highest median monthly rent in the New England region.

Still, it is important to consider that the data is not necessarily immune to cost-of-living pressures. Ultimately, nationwide data says affordability matters, but regional data says economic and technological infrastructure matters as well.