Moving from Worcester, MA to Springfield, IL
The drive from Worcester, MA to Springfield, IL runs 1104 mi β about 20h 60m 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.
1104 mi Β· 20h 60m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 9.5% below Worcester β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $163,198 is 9.5% under Worcester at $430,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Worcester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 40.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.1Β°F vs 52.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.24 |
Household income lines up β $67,544 vs $65,537 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, IL from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1104 mi and the route typically takes 20h 60m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 9.5% lower than Worcester (92.745 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1104 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 Springfield compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $430,112 in Worcester β a 62.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $67,544 in Worcester β a 3.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Springfield, IL.