Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Springfield, MA
Relocating between Elizabeth, NJ and Springfield, MA is a 159 mi drive β 3h 32m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
159 mi Β· 3h 32m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 91, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 14.7% cheaper overall in Springfield than Elizabeth on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
14.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 45.2" |
Expect 6.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.67 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.7% lower in Springfield than Elizabeth.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 159 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.7% lower than Elizabeth (96.061 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 44.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, MA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 159 mi and the route typically takes 3h 32m via I 95 and I 91. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 19.6% 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 Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Springfield, MA.