Moving from Springfield, MA to Peoria, AZ
Moving from Springfield, MA to Peoria, AZ is a 2600 mi cross-country relocation β about 46h 46m of driving through 12 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2600 mi Β· 46h 46m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, Scottsdale, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Peoria is 7.6% 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 Peoria is 7.6% above Springfield β $294,613 vs $488,596 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Peoria -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 9.6" |
Peoria runs 20.8Β°F warmer on the annual average (49.4Β°F vs 70.2Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Peoria 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, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 194,338 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $93,403 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 42.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.66 |
Median household income in Peoria is 7.6% above Springfield ($51,339 vs $93,403, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 Peoria average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Peoria sees only 9.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (20.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,403 in Peoria vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 81.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 7.6% higher than Springfield (103.316 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 Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2600 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $488,596 in Peoria vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 65.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, AZ from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 2600 mi and the route typically takes 46h 46m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 12 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· Peoria, AZ.