Moving from New York, NY to Cambridge, MA
It is a 212 mi drive, roughly 4h 36m, between New York, NY and Cambridge, MA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
212 mi Β· 4h 36m by car Β· NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, CT 15, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
New York and Cambridge sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $812,861 in New York to $1,041,569 in Cambridge, a 3.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New York | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | 49.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 55.5Β°F vs 51.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 38 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.38 |
Cambridge households earn about 3.8% more than New York at the median β $79,713 β $126,469 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New York 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
How far is Cambridge, MA from New York, NY?
The driving distance is 212 mi and the route typically takes 4h 36m via I 90 and CT 15. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from New York to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 212 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in New York vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $79,713 in New York β a 58.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cambridge more expensive than New York?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 3.8% lower than New York (108.266 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $812,861 in New York β a 28.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New York.
City profiles: New York, NY Β· Cambridge, MA.