Moving from Cleveland, OH to Cambridge, MA
It is 638 mi between Cleveland and Cambridge β roughly 12h 28m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 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.
638 mi Β· 12h 28m by car Β· OH β PA β NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 271, SR 2 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.3% above Cleveland β 93.923 β 108.266 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 49.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.38 |
Cambridge households earn about 15.3% more than Cleveland at the median β $39,187 β $126,469 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Ohio 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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
Is Cambridge more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 15.3% higher than Cleveland (108.266 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 638 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 638 mi and the route typically takes 12h 28m via I 90 and I 271. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 222.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 801.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Cambridge, MA.