Moving from Worcester, MA to Cambridge, MA
The drive from Worcester to Cambridge covers 42 mi in about 57 min. Local moves still matter β school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
42 mi Β· 57 min by car Β· MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, MA 122, US 3 |
| Major cities en route | Providence, Lowell, Brockton, Boston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 102.523 in Worcester to 108.266 in Cambridge, a 5.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Cambridge: 5.6% above Worcester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Worcester | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 49.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.38 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 5.6% between Worcester and Cambridge (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 42 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $67,544 in Worcester β a 87.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 42 mi and the route typically takes 57 min via I 90 and MA 122. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $430,112 in Worcester β a 142.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 5.6% higher than Worcester (108.266 vs 102.523, 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Cambridge, MA.