Moving from Lowell, MA to Austin, TX
A 1957 mi cross-country move between Lowell and Austin is 36h 8m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1957 mi Β· 36h 8m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Dallas, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Austin at 98.066 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.4% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 36.3" |
Expect 21.0Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Austin gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.2 |
Austin households earn about 9.4% more than Lowell at the median β $76,205 β $91,461 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1957 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 5.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Austin, TX from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1957 mi and the route typically takes 36h 8m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Austin more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 9.4% lower than Lowell (98.066 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 20.0% higher 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Austin, TX.