Moving from Lowell, MA to Hayward, CA
It is 3126 mi and 55h 27m from Lowell to Hayward β a cross-country move across 13 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
3126 mi Β· 55h 27m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY 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 WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Hayward | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.8% above Lowell β 108.266 β 115.613 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Hayward -6.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 16.0" |
Expect 10.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 159,201 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $113,775 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 3.22 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.8% β $76,205 β $113,775 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hayward MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 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
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.7Β°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
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Hayward?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,775 in Hayward vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 49.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Hayward, CA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 3126 mi and the route typically takes 55h 27m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 13 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Hayward?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 3126 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 Hayward compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $848,427 in Hayward vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 76.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Hayward more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hayward is 6.8% higher than Lowell (115.613 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Hayward, CA.