Moving from Cleveland, OH to Worcester, MA
Relocating 604 mi from Cleveland to Worcester is a 11h 48m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
604 mi Β· 11h 48m 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 | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Worcester runs about 9.2% more expensive overall than Cleveland β RPP 93.923 β 102.523.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $115,537 in Cleveland to $430,112 in Worcester, a 9.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 48.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 48.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Worcester sees 72.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.2% β $39,187 β $67,544 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Worcester averages 72.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β 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 Worcester compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 272.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Worcester, MA from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 604 mi and the route typically takes 11h 48m 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 Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 72.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Worcester more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 9.2% higher than Cleveland (102.523 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 Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 604 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 Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Worcester, MA.