Moving from Springfield, MA to Manchester, NH
Relocating between Springfield, MA and Manchester, NH is a 120 mi drive β 2h 36m 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.
120 mi Β· 2h 36m by car Β· MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 495, US 3 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, Worcester, Providence, Cambridge, Boston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Manchester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 105.657 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 133.535 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 97.687 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 134.22 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 10.0% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $294,613 to $435,334 moving to Manchester.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Manchester +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 13Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 52.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 42.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (49.4Β°F) and Manchester (47.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Manchester averages 52.8 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, MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 115,415 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $77,415 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.33 |
Expect median household income to rise 10.0% β $51,339 β $77,415 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Massachusetts and New Hampshire
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Hampshire'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-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Manchester averages 52.8 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.
- Register to vote in New Hampshire after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Manchester more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Manchester is 10.0% higher than Springfield (105.657 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Manchester compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,334 in Manchester vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 47.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Manchester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 120 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 Manchester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,415 in Manchester vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 50.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Manchester, NH from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 120 mi and the route typically takes 2h 36m via I 90 and I 495. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Manchester, NH.