Moving from Manchester, NH to Springfield, MA
It is a 120 mi drive, roughly 2h 36m, between Manchester, NH 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.
120 mi Β· 2h 36m by car Β· MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 495, US 3 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, Worcester, Providence, Cambridge, Boston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.1% moving from Manchester to Springfield β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $435,334 in Manchester to $294,613 in Springfield, a 9.1% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Manchester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 13Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 45.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 47.4Β°F vs 49.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.67 |
Springfield households earn about 9.1% less than Manchester at the median β $77,415 β $51,339 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between New Hampshire 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
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $435,334 in Manchester β a 32.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 120 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $77,415 in Manchester β a 33.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MA from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 120 mi and the route typically takes 2h 36m via I 90 and I 495. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 9.1% lower than Manchester (96.061 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH Β· Springfield, MA.