Moving from Worcester, MA to Cleveland, OH
Relocating 604 mi from Worcester to Cleveland is a 11h 48m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
604 mi Β· 11h 48m 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
| Worcester | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 8.4% moving from Worcester to Cleveland β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $430,112 in Worcester to $115,537 in Cleveland, a 8.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Worcester | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 33.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.1Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.18 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.4% β $67,544 β $39,187 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 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 Worcester vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $67,544 in Worcester β a 42.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 604 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 604 mi and the route typically takes 11h 48m via I 90 and I 271. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 8.4% lower than Worcester (93.923 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $430,112 in Worcester β a 73.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Cleveland, OH.