Poll: 1 in 5 Massachusetts residents think they will leave the state soon

BOSTON — A new survey finds that one in five Massachusetts residents, struggling with high housing and transportation costs, plan to move out of state in the near future.

In the MassINC Polling Group survey of more than 1,400 residents, 21% said they could imagine leaving Massachusetts within the next five years. Another 19% said they would move within the state, and 45% said they have no plans to move.

Those struggling with skyrocketing living costs are even more likely to leave Massachusetts. About 38% of respondents who said housing and transportation are both a “very big burden” on their finances said they could see themselves moving out of state.

Housing one of Massachusetts’ biggest problems, poll finds

The poll asked residents what they think is the biggest problem facing the state of Massachusetts. Housing and the migrant crisis.

Taxes/government spending/welfare were mentioned by 14% of respondents, while 13% cited inflation and the cost of living.

A recent report from Bankrate shows that potential home buyers in Massachusetts should consider purchasing their home. more than $162,000 per year to afford a home. Thirty-seven percent of respondents described their monthly housing costs as “a very big burden,” and 34% said it was “somewhat of a burden.” Only 10% said it was not a burden at all.

Transportation problems in Massachusetts

MassINC partnered with the advocacy group Transportation for Massachusetts to conduct the poll, which covered several transportation issues facing the state.

Fifty-seven percent of respondents said transportation costs, including car payments, gas, and Uber fares, are either a very big burden or somewhat of a burden. Thirty-seven percent said they are not a big burden or not at all.

There are also some signs that residents are feeling a little better about the MBTA since Gov. Maura Healey appointed it Phil Eng to lead the beleaguered agency. Twenty-two percent of respondents said the T is getting better, compared with 17% who said it is getting worse. Forty-three percent said it is about the same as it was.

The poll also found that Massachusetts residents are open to “congestion pricing” as a way to raise money for public transit and ease traffic. Half of respondents said the state should look into the issue, while 36% said it should not. New York City should congestion charge this summer, before the governor shut down the program.

Click here for the full survey results.