Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Springfield, MA
It is 741 mi between Ann Arbor and Springfield β roughly 14h 2m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
741 mi Β· 14h 2m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 23 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.88 vs 96.061 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 4.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $523,391 to $294,613 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 45.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) and Springfield (49.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.67 |
Springfield households earn about 4.8% less than Ann Arbor at the median β $81,089 β $51,339 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan 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 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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.8% lower than Ann Arbor (96.061 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MA from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 741 mi and the route typically takes 14h 2m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 36.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 43.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 741 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Springfield, MA.