Moving from Syracuse, NY to Worcester, MA
The 275 mi from Syracuse to Worcester translate to about 5h 25m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
275 mi · 5h 25m by car · MA → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 87, I 290 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 95.742 in Syracuse to 102.523 in Worcester, a 7.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Worcester: 7.1% above Syracuse on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 48.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 72.9 in of snowfall annually at Worcester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 7.1% between Syracuse and Worcester (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 — 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: Worcester averages 72.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Worcester more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 7.1% higher than Syracuse (102.523 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Worcester, MA from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 275 mi and the route typically takes 5h 25m 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 Syracuse vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 47.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 104.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (0.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 39.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 275 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Worcester, MA.