Nashua is about 40 miles north of Boston, just over the New Hampshire line, and it is one of the most common places Boston residents move to save money. New Hampshire has no general sales tax and no state income tax on wages, and housing in Nashua costs far less than in Boston: the median home value is about $403,900 and median rent is about $1,737 a month. Because the move crosses a state line, it is an interstate move under federal rules, so your mover needs a USDOT number, the estimate is binding or non-binding, and on a non-binding estimate the mover cannot require more than 110 percent of it at delivery. Get a written estimate based on a walkthrough, plan around Route 3 traffic, and budget time in your first weeks for New Hampshire’s car registration process, which starts at your city clerk’s office.
Stark Moving and Storage moves households from Boston to Nashua, Manchester, and the rest of southern New Hampshire, and New Hampshire is part of our regular service area. We handle local and long distance moves, packing, and storage. Here is what to know about the move, the taxes, and life in Nashua.
Nashua by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s Nashua QuickFacts:
| Measure | Nashua |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 92,435 |
| Median household income | About $96,326 |
| Median home value | About $403,900 |
| Median rent | About $1,737 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 56 percent |
| Average commute | About 26 minutes |
Why Boston Residents Choose Nashua
Taxes
New Hampshire does not charge a general sales tax or a state income tax on wages. Property taxes are relatively high, so the savings depend on your income and your home. Our guide to Boston taxes explains what you would be leaving behind.
One catch: if you live in New Hampshire but keep working in Massachusetts, Massachusetts generally taxes wages earned there. The savings are largest for people who work in New Hampshire or remotely. Speak with a tax professional about your situation.
Housing
Nashua’s home prices and rents are far below Boston’s, and many homes have yards and driveways.
Still Close to Boston
Nashua is close enough for occasional trips into the city, and many residents work along the Route 3 and Interstate 495 corridors in Massachusetts.
Our guide to moving out of Boston shows how often New Hampshire comes up as a destination.
Why the Move Is Interstate
| Move within Massachusetts | Boston to Nashua | |
|---|---|---|
| Rules | Massachusetts | Federal |
| Mover needs | State authority | USDOT number and interstate authority |
| Estimate | Written estimate | Binding or non-binding |
| Non-binding limit | Varies | 110 percent of the estimate at delivery |
| Default coverage | Basic, by weight | Full value protection, unless you choose released value |
| Claims | Varies | Up to nine months to file |
Even though the drive is short, crossing the state line changes the rules. Our guide to long distance moves explains how distance and state lines affect pricing.
Tip: Ask any mover for their USDOT number and look it up before you book. A company licensed only for moves inside Massachusetts cannot legally take your household to New Hampshire.
The Drive
- Route 3 north from the Boston area becomes the Everett Turnpike in New Hampshire and runs straight into Nashua
- Interstate 93 to Interstate 495 or Route 3 is the alternative from the north side of Boston
- Plan for about an hour without traffic
Nashua has no commuter rail service to Boston, so most residents drive. Northbound traffic on Route 3 builds in the late afternoon, so a loaded truck should leave the city by midday.
Best Neighborhoods in Nashua
| Area | What it is like |
|---|---|
| Downtown and Main Street | Restaurants, shops, and apartments |
| North End | Older homes and tree-lined streets |
| South Nashua | Shopping centers and newer subdivisions |
| Nashua’s west side | Residential neighborhoods with larger lots |
Many homes have driveways, which makes unloading easier than in Boston.
Cost of Living in Nashua
Nashua costs far less than Boston. BestPlaces gives it a cost of living score of about 111, where 100 is the national average. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for Hillsborough County, which includes Nashua:
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing, one adult | $17,226 |
| Food, one adult | $4,627 |
| Transportation, one adult | $9,291 |
| Income needed before taxes, one adult | $53,207 |
| Income needed before taxes, two working adults and two children | $134,292 |
Transportation is the one line that runs higher than in the Boston area, since most residents drive everywhere.
Weather in Nashua
BestPlaces lists these climate averages:
| Measure | Nashua | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 82 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 12 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 57 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 47 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 201 | 205 |
Nashua is colder and snowier than Boston. Good snow tires and a plan for clearing the driveway are part of living here.
Schools in Nashua
The Nashua School District serves about 9,800 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 12 to 1. Niche gives it an overall grade of B. The city has two public high schools, Nashua High School North and Nashua High School South.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Nashua | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 1.6 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 12.5 | About 18 |
Both rates are below the national median, and violent crime is well below it.
Your First Weeks in New Hampshire
New Hampshire registers vehicles differently from Massachusetts. Registration usually starts at your city or town clerk’s office, where you pay the local permit fee, and then moves to the state Division of Motor Vehicles. You will also need to switch to a New Hampshire driver’s license. Check the state’s current deadlines for new residents when you arrive.
Other tasks:
- Update your car insurance to New Hampshire
- Set up utilities and internet
- Register to vote at your new address
- Enroll children in Nashua schools
- File a change of address with the Postal Service
Winter Moves
Southern New Hampshire gets more snow than Boston. A winter move is possible with good planning: clear driveways and walkways, protect floors, and leave flexibility in case of a storm. Our winter moving tips cover the details.
Choosing a Mover
Because this is an interstate move, check credentials carefully. Our guide on choosing a moving company covers what to ask and what to look for in an estimate.
Pros and Cons of Living in Nashua
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No sales tax and no tax on wages | No train to Boston |
| Lower housing costs than Boston | Higher property taxes |
| Low violent crime | Colder, snowier winters |
| Driveways and yards | Massachusetts still taxes wages earned there |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Nashua from Boston?
About 40 miles north. The drive takes about an hour without traffic.
Does New Hampshire have income tax?
New Hampshire does not tax wages. If you work in Massachusetts, though, Massachusetts generally taxes the wages you earn there.
Is moving from Boston to Nashua an interstate move?
Yes. It crosses the state line, so federal rules apply.
Is Nashua cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Nashua’s median home value is about $403,900 and median rent is about $1,737 a month.
Is there a train from Nashua to Boston?
Not currently. Most residents drive.
How do I register my car in New Hampshire?
Start at your city or town clerk’s office, then complete registration with the state Division of Motor Vehicles.
Moving to Nashua
Stark Moving and Storage provides local and long-distance moving services across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Washington, DC. Our services include packing and unpacking, storage, custom crating, and specialized piano and fine art moving. Whether you’re relocating within the region or moving from Boston to Nashua, our team helps coordinate the details for an organized and efficient move.
As a BBB-accredited company, Stark Moving and Storage is committed to honesty, transparency, and efficiency throughout the relocation process. If you’re searching for reliable Boston Movers, contact us at (866) 656-6029 to discuss your moving requirements and request an estimate for your move to Nashua, NH.