Moving from Yonkers, NY to Boston, MA
It is a 198 mi drive, roughly 4h 13m, between Yonkers, NY and Boston, MA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
198 mi · 4h 13m by car · MA → CT → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CT 15, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Providence, Worcester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Boston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 112.563 vs 108.266 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.8% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Boston -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Yonkers | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | 49.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | 43.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Yonkers (53.4°F) and Boston (51.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boston averages 49.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 663,972 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $94,755 |
| Median age | 39 | 33.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 28.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.38 |
Households in Boston earn about 3.8% more at the median — 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: Boston averages 49.2 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
How much do homes cost in Boston compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $798,217 in Boston vs $680,218 in Yonkers — a 17.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Boston more expensive than Yonkers?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boston is 3.8% lower than Yonkers (108.266 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Boston, MA from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 198 mi and the route typically takes 4h 13m via CT 15 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Yonkers and Boston?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.9°F in Boston vs 53.4°F in Yonkers (1.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 49.2 in vs 32.7 in. Annual precipitation: 43.6 in vs 51.2 in.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Boston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,755 in Boston vs $81,816 in Yonkers — a 15.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Yonkers to Boston?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 198 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 Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY · Boston, MA.