Moving from Cambridge, MA to Springfield, IL
A move from Cambridge, MA to Springfield, IL covers 1138 mi and around 21h 40m of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1138 mi Β· 21h 40m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Brockton, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 14.3% below Cambridge β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $163,198 is 14.3% under Cambridge at $1,041,569 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 40.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°F vs 52.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 14.3% below Cambridge ($126,469 vs $65,537, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.3% lower than Cambridge (92.745 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1138 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 84.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 48.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1138 mi and the route typically takes 21h 40m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Springfield, IL.