Moving from Buffalo, NY to Springfield, MA
It is a 375 mi drive, roughly 7h 20m, between Buffalo, NY and Springfield, MA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
375 mi Β· 7h 20m by car Β· NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, NY 33, I 291 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Syracuse, Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Buffalo | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.844 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 129.489 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.989 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Buffalo and Springfield sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $238,089 in Buffalo to $294,613 in Springfield, a 0.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Buffalo +3.8%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Buffalo | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 95.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 45.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.8Β°F vs 49.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BUFFALO, NY US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Buffalo | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.31 | 2.67 |
Households in Springfield earn about 0.2% more at the median β 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 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, MA from Buffalo, NY?
The driving distance is 375 mi and the route typically takes 7h 20m via I 90 and NY 33. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Buffalo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.2% higher than Buffalo (96.061 vs 95.844, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Buffalo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $238,089 in Buffalo β a 23.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Buffalo vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $48,050 in Buffalo β a 6.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 375 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 Buffalo.
City profiles: Buffalo, NY Β· Springfield, MA.