Moving from Lowell, MA to Gilbert, AZ
A 2636 mi cross-country move between Lowell and Gilbert is 48h 22m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 12 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2636 mi Β· 48h 22m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 121.236 | 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
Housing comes in 4.6% above Lowell β $480,319 β $572,507 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | β |
Annual average temperature gap of 22.4Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.96 |
Gilbert households earn about 4.6% more than Lowell at the median β $76,205 β $121,351 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (22.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 19.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2636 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Gilbert more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 4.6% lower than Lowell (103.316 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 2636 mi and the route typically takes 48h 22m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 59.2% 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· Gilbert, AZ.