There are other considerations that significantly impact the cost of living. Car insurance is one in MA that has been messed up by government meddling. I believe we must be near the top there with insurance for my daughter's car (a '93, driver 21) running almost $1,700/yr, thanks to Gov't regulation
. Multiply that by several vehicles in the family and property taxes take a back seat ($2800/yr - house value at $400k).