Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Lowell, MA
It is 951 mi between Grand Rapids and Lowell β roughly 17h 55m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
951 mi Β· 17h 55m by car Β· MI β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 96 |
| Major cities en route | Lansing, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Toledo, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Grand Rapids | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.775 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.596 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Lowell runs about 13.3% more expensive overall than Grand Rapids β RPP 95.546 β 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $303,298 in Grand Rapids to $480,319 in Lowell, a 13.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Grand Rapids +2.9%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Grand Rapids | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 74.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.6" | 48.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.0Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E GRAND RAPIDS, MI US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Grand Rapids | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,768 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $65,526 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 32.1 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.3% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.71 |
Households in Lowell earn about 13.3% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 951 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lowell, MA from Grand Rapids, MI?
The driving distance is 951 mi and the route typically takes 17h 55m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lowell more expensive than Grand Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 13.3% higher than Grand Rapids (108.266 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Grand Rapids vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $65,526 in Grand Rapids β a 16.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Grand Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $303,298 in Grand Rapids β a 58.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Grand Rapids.
City profiles: Grand Rapids, MI Β· Lowell, MA.