Moving from Lowell, MA to Dearborn, MI
A move from Lowell, MA to Dearborn, MI covers 814 mi and around 15h 31m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
814 mi Β· 15h 31m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Manchester, Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Dearborn is 7.4% cheaper than Lowell overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dearborn is 7.4% below Lowell β $480,319 vs $245,068 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Lowell (49.0Β°F) and Dearborn (49.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dearborn averages 30.8 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, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.97 |
Median household income in Dearborn is 7.4% below Lowell ($76,205 β $65,192, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dearborn MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
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 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.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dearborn averages 30.8 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 814 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 814 mi and the route typically takes 15h 31m 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 Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 14.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 7.4% lower than Lowell (100.298 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 49.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Dearborn, MI.