California vs Massachusetts: Livability Score
Massachusetts has a higher livability score than California.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for livability score.
Top 10 States — Livability Score
Massachusetts
Idaho
New Jersey
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Florida
New Hampshire
New York
Utah
Pennsylvania
California
California ranks 32nd and Massachusetts ranks 1st nationally for livability score.
Related Context
What Drives the Score
The livability score synthesizes several quality-of-life signals — here are the key inputs.
What This Means
California vs Massachusetts: Livability Score in context
Massachusetts has a livability score of 60.23, compared with 50.49 in California, a gap of 19.3%. Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).
People Also Ask
California vs Massachusetts Livability Score — Common Questions
Q What is California's livability score?
California's livability score is 50.49.
Q What is Massachusetts's livability score?
Massachusetts's livability score is 60.23.
Q Which state has a higher livability score — California or Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a higher livability score than California.
Q How much more livability score does Massachusetts have compared to California?
9.74 points.
More Comparisons: California vs Massachusetts
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Sources: Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker.