Moving from Springfield, MA to Houston, TX
A 1771 mi cross-country move between Springfield and Houston is 33h 21m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 14 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1771 mi Β· 33h 21m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, Sugar Land, Pasadena, League City, Beaumont |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 96.061 vs 98.629 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 2.7% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 54.1" |
Expect 21.2Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Houston gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.51 |
Houston households earn about 2.7% more than Springfield at the median β $51,339 β $62,894 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Houston average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Houston more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 2.7% higher than Springfield (98.629 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 22.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1771 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Houston, TX from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 1771 mi and the route typically takes 33h 21m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 14 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 10.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Houston, TX.