Moving from Arvada, CO to Lowell, MA
Cross-country relocations like Arvada, CO β Lowell, MA cover 1989 mi and about 36h 20m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1989 mi Β· 36h 20m by car Β· CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Boulder, Denver, Westminster, Centennial |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Arvada | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Arvada (105.782) and Lowell (108.266) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lowell: 2.3% below Arvada on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Arvada -2.5%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Arvada | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 75.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.1" | 48.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Arvada | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,835 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $113,396 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.7% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.71 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.3% between Arvada and Lowell (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- 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 much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Arvada?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $616,566 in Arvada β a 22.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lowell, MA from Arvada, CO?
The driving distance is 1989 mi and the route typically takes 36h 20m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Arvada to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1989 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lowell more expensive than Arvada?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 2.3% higher than Arvada (108.266 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Arvada vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $113,396 in Arvada β a 32.8% 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 Arvada.
City profiles: Arvada, CO Β· Lowell, MA.