Moving from Syracuse, NY to Brockton, MA
Moving from Syracuse, NY to Brockton, MA covers 325 mi and about 6h 28m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
325 mi · 6h 28m by car · NY → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 95, MA 128 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, Springfield, Worcester, Lowell, Cambridge |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Brockton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 13.1% pricier overall in Brockton than Syracuse on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Brockton typical home at $503,833 is 13.1% above Syracuse at $210,251 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Brockton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 21°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 34.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 50.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.5°F vs 51.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Brockton sees 34.3 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, BROCKTON, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 105,080 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $77,089 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 14.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.95 |
Median household income in Brockton is 13.1% above Syracuse ($45,845 vs $77,089, ACS 5-year 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Brockton averages 34.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Brockton averages 50.2 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Brockton more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brockton is 13.1% higher than Syracuse (108.266 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Brockton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 325 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Brockton compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $503,833 in Brockton vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 139.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Brockton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.4°F in Brockton vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (2.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 34.3 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 50.2 in vs 39.9 in.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Brockton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,089 in Brockton vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 68.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Brockton, MA from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 325 mi and the route typically takes 6h 28m via I 90 and I 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Brockton, MA.