Moving from Springfield, MA to Boston, MA
The 90 mi from Springfield to Boston translate to about 1h 53m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
90 mi Β· 1h 53m by car Β· MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 291, MA 20A |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Providence, Worcester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Boston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Boston is 12.7% higher than Springfield, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Boston is 12.7% above Springfield β $294,613 vs $798,217 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Boston -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 49.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 43.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (49.4Β°F) and Boston (51.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boston averages 49.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 663,972 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $94,755 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 33.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 28.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.38 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.7% between Springfield and Boston (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boston averages 49.2 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Boston compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $798,217 in Boston vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 170.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Boston, MA from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 90 mi and the route typically takes 1h 53m via I 90 and I 291. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Boston more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boston is 12.7% higher than Springfield (108.266 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Boston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 90 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 Springfield vs Boston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,755 in Boston vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 84.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Boston, MA.