Moving from Lowell, MA to Cambridge, MA
Relocating from Lowell, MA to Cambridge, MA? The drive is 25 mi β about 39 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
25 mi Β· 39 min by car Β· MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 3, MA 2A, MA 110 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Brockton, Manchester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 49.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.38 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.0% β $76,205 β $126,469 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 25 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 Cambridge compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 116.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 25 mi and the route typically takes 39 min via US 3 and MA 2A. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 66.0% 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· Cambridge, MA.