Moving from Springfield, MA to Columbus, OH
The drive from Springfield, MA to Columbus, OH runs 691 mi β about 13h 9m 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.
691 mi Β· 13h 9m by car Β· OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
Columbus and Springfield are close on the overall BEA RPP (96.061 vs 95.469); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.6% lower in Columbus than Springfield as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 44.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.4Β°F vs 52.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.34 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.6% between Springfield and Columbus (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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
Is Columbus more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 0.6% lower than Springfield (95.469 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Columbus, OH from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 691 mi and the route typically takes 13h 9m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 27.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 16.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 691 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· Columbus, OH.