Moving from Springfield, MA to Ann Arbor, MI
It is 741 mi between Springfield and Ann Arbor β roughly 14h 2m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
741 mi Β· 14h 2m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 23 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.0% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $294,613 to $523,391 moving to Ann Arbor.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 37.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (49.4Β°F) and Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.43 |
Ann Arbor households earn about 5.0% more than Springfield at the median β $51,339 β $81,089 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 741 mi and the route typically takes 14h 2m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 741 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 77.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 57.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 5.0% higher than Springfield (100.88 vs 96.061, 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Ann Arbor, MI.