Moving from Rochester, NY to Springfield, MA
Relocating between Rochester, NY and Springfield, MA is a 314 mi drive β 6h 11m 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.
314 mi Β· 6h 11m by car Β· NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 490, I 291 |
| Major cities en route | Syracuse, Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.035 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.213 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.481 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
1.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Rochester +3.0%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 102.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 45.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER GTR INTL AP, NY US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,720 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $46,628 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.3% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.67 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.0% higher in Springfield than Rochester.
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 does household income compare in Rochester vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $46,628 in Rochester β a 10.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MA from Rochester, NY?
The driving distance is 314 mi and the route typically takes 6h 11m via I 90 and I 490. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $235,784 in Rochester β a 25.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 314 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 1.0% lower than Rochester (96.061 vs 97.035, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, NY Β· Springfield, MA.