Moving from Lowell, MA to Columbus, OH
The drive from Lowell, MA to Columbus, OH runs 768 mi β about 14h 40m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
768 mi Β· 14h 40m by car Β· OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.266 to 95.469, putting Columbus roughly 11.8% below Lowell on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Columbus: 11.8% below Lowell on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.34 |
Income steps down 11.8%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $65,327 in Columbus.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- 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
How far is Columbus, OH from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 768 mi and the route typically takes 14h 40m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 48.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 14.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbus more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 11.8% lower than Lowell (95.469 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 768 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Columbus, OH.