Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Springfield, MA
Relocating between Philadelphia, PA and Springfield, MA is a 232 mi drive β 5h 2m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
232 mi Β· 5h 2m by car Β· PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 91, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, Newark, New York, Jersey City, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Philadelphia | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.554 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 114.389 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.833 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.141 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.3% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Springfield at 96.061 vs Philadelphia at 102.554.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $231,815 to $294,613 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Philadelphia +2.0%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Philadelphia | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.7" | 45.2" |
Expect 8.3Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Philadelphia | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,582,432 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $60,698 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.67 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.3% lower in Springfield than Philadelphia.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania 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
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Philadelphia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $231,815 in Philadelphia β a 27.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Philadelphia vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $60,698 in Philadelphia β a 15.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Philadelphia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 6.3% lower than Philadelphia (96.061 vs 102.554, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MA from Philadelphia, PA?
The driving distance is 232 mi and the route typically takes 5h 2m via I 95 and I 91. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 232 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 Philadelphia.
City profiles: Philadelphia, PA Β· Springfield, MA.