Moving from Worcester, MA to Syracuse, NY
The 275 mi from Worcester to Syracuse translate to about 5h 25m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
275 mi · 5h 25m by car · MA → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 87, I 290 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Syracuse | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 95.742 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 133.405 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 80.656 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 102.523 to 95.742, putting Syracuse roughly 6.6% below Worcester on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Syracuse: 6.6% below Worcester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Syracuse +5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 127.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 39.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 127.8 in of snowfall annually at Syracuse.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 146,211 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $45,845 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.6% between Worcester and Syracuse (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Syracuse MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,010 | $45,230 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 25,810 | $42,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,460 | $35,690 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 25,240 | $65,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,760 | $34,050 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Syracuse averages 127.8 in annually vs 72.9 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Syracuse more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Syracuse is 6.6% lower than Worcester (95.742 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Syracuse?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.5°F in Syracuse vs 48.1°F in Worcester (0.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 127.8 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 39.9 in vs 48.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Syracuse compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,251 in Syracuse vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 51.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Syracuse?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,845 in Syracuse vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 32.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Syracuse?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 275 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Syracuse, NY from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 275 mi and the route typically takes 5h 25m via I 90 and I 87. 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Syracuse, NY.