Moving from Lowell, MA to Lakewood, CO
It is 1993 mi and 36h 22m from Lowell to Lakewood β a cross-country move across 10 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.
1993 mi Β· 36h 22m by car Β· CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO 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 | Centennial, Arvada, Westminster, Boulder, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Lakewood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 108.266 vs 105.782 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.3% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Lakewood -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 58.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 17.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Lowell (49.0Β°F) and Lakewood (50.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Lakewood averages 58.0 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, LAKEWOOD, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 156,309 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $85,789 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.26 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.3% higher in Lakewood than Lowell.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lakewood MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- 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
- Winter gear first: Lakewood averages 58.0 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Lakewood compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $573,913 in Lakewood vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 19.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lakewood more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lakewood is 2.3% lower than Lowell (105.782 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lakewood, CO from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1993 mi and the route typically takes 36h 22m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Lakewood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,789 in Lakewood vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 12.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Lakewood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1993 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· Lakewood, CO.