Moving from Lowell, MA to Garden Grove, CA
Cross-country relocations like Lowell, MA β Garden Grove, CA cover 3000 mi and about 53h 53m of driving through 13 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.
3000 mi Β· 53h 53m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Long Beach, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Torrance |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Garden Grove | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lowell (108.266) and Garden Grove (113.566) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Garden Grove: 4.9% above Lowell on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Garden Grove +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 12.5" |
Major climate step-up: 17.1Β°F warmer annual average in Garden Grove vs Lowell.
Effectively snow-free year in Garden Grove β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, SANTA ANA FIRE STN, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 170,603 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $90,166 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 39.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 3.51 |
Income steps up 4.9%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $90,166 in Garden Grove.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garden Grove MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in 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.
- 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
- Dry climate: Garden Grove sees only 12.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Garden Grove?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 3000 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Garden Grove more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garden Grove is 4.9% higher than Lowell (113.566 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Garden Grove?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,166 in Garden Grove vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 18.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Garden Grove, CA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 3000 mi and the route typically takes 53h 53m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 13 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Garden Grove compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,013,183 in Garden Grove vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 110.9% higher 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· Garden Grove, CA.