Moving from Springfield, MA to Syracuse, NY
It is a 232 mi drive, roughly 4h 36m, between Springfield, MA and Syracuse, NY. 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.
232 mi Β· 4h 36m by car Β· MA β NY
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 87, I 690 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Syracuse | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 95.742 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 133.405 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 80.656 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 96.061 vs 95.742 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.3% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $294,613 to $210,251 moving to Syracuse.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Syracuse +5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 127.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (49.4Β°F) and Syracuse (48.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Syracuse averages 127.8 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, SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 146,211 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $45,845 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.47 |
Households in Syracuse earn about 0.3% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Syracuse MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,010 | $45,230 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 25,810 | $42,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,460 | $35,690 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 25,240 | $65,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,760 | $34,050 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Syracuse averages 127.8 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Syracuse?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 232 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 Syracuse compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,251 in Syracuse vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 28.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Syracuse, NY from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 232 mi and the route typically takes 4h 36m via I 90 and I 87. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Syracuse?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,845 in Syracuse vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 10.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Syracuse more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Syracuse is 0.3% lower than Springfield (95.742 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· Syracuse, NY.