Moving from Springfield, MA to Cleveland, OH
The drive from Springfield, MA to Cleveland, OH runs 562 mi β about 10h 60m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
562 mi Β· 10h 60m 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
| Springfield | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Cleveland and Springfield are close on the overall BEA RPP (96.061 vs 93.923); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Cleveland typical home at $115,537 is 2.2% under Springfield at $294,613 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 33.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.4Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.18 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.2% between Springfield and Cleveland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Massachusetts and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 does household income compare in Springfield vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 23.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 2.2% lower than Springfield (93.923 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 60.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 562 mi and the route typically takes 10h 60m via I 90 and I 271. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 562 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Cleveland, OH.