Moving from Denver, CO to Lowell, MA
It is 1983 mi and 36h 11m from Denver to Lowell β a cross-country move across 10 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1983 mi Β· 36h 11m 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 | Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denver | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 105.782 vs 108.266 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 2.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denver -4.3%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denver | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.4" | 48.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Denver (51.4Β°F) and Lowell (49.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denver | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 713,734 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $91,681 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.8% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.71 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.3% lower in Lowell than Denver.
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
Is Lowell more expensive than Denver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 2.3% higher than Denver (108.266 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lowell, MA from Denver, CO?
The driving distance is 1983 mi and the route typically takes 36h 11m 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 Denver to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1983 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Denver vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $91,681 in Denver β a 16.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Denver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $539,666 in Denver β a 11.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denver.
City profiles: Denver, CO Β· Lowell, MA.