Moving from Boston, MA to Hollywood, FL
The drive from Boston, MA to Hollywood, FL runs 1480 mi β about 28h 19m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1480 mi Β· 28h 19m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Providence, Worcester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Hollywood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Hollywood is 5.4% higher than Boston, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Hollywood is 5.4% below Boston β $798,217 vs $439,400 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Hollywood -5.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boston | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 65.0" |
Hollywood runs 24.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (51.9Β°F vs 76.1Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, HOLLYWOOD, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 152,935 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $65,359 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 41 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.53 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.4% between Boston and Hollywood (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hollywood MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Hollywood averages 65.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (24.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Hollywood more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hollywood is 5.4% higher than Boston (114.155 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Hollywood, FL from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 1480 mi and the route typically takes 28h 19m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Boston to Hollywood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1480 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Hollywood compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $439,400 in Hollywood vs $798,217 in Boston β a 45.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Hollywood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,359 in Hollywood vs $94,755 in Boston β a 31.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA Β· Hollywood, FL.