Moving from Lowell, MA to Boulder, CO
Cross-country relocations like Lowell, MA β Boulder, CO cover 1995 mi and about 36h 24m 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.
1995 mi Β· 36h 24m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Cambridge, Manchester, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Boulder | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 105.202 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 82.741 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 157.02 | 100.0 |
Boulder and Lowell are close on the overall BEA RPP (108.266 vs 105.202); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Boulder typical home at $964,531 is 2.8% above Lowell at $480,319 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 21.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 51.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Boulder sees 92.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.42 |
Income steps up 2.8%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $85,364 in Boulder.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boulder MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,760 | $91,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $47,560 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,360 | $50,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,660 | $37,440 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 17,320 | $131,150 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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 off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boulder averages 92.8 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Boulder, CO from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1995 mi and the route typically takes 36h 24m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 100.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1995 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 Lowell vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 12.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Boulder more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 2.8% lower than Lowell (105.202 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· Boulder, CO.