Moving from Lowell, MA to Ann Arbor, MI
It is 818 mi between Lowell and Ann Arbor β roughly 15h 34m 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.
818 mi Β· 15h 34m 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 90 |
| Major cities en route | Dearborn, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.8% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Ann Arbor at 100.88 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.8% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 37.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Lowell (49.0Β°F) and Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.43 |
Households in Ann Arbor earn about 6.8% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 9.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 818 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 818 mi and the route typically takes 15h 34m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 6.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 6.8% lower than Lowell (100.88 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Ann Arbor, MI.