Moving from Lowell, MA to Milwaukee, WI
Relocating 1089 mi from Lowell to Milwaukee is a 20h 42m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1089 mi Β· 20h 42m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI 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 | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.5% moving from Lowell to Milwaukee β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $480,319 in Lowell to $220,137 in Milwaukee, a 10.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 33.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 48.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Milwaukee sees 39.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.5% β $76,205 β $51,888 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Milwaukee MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 96,990 | $45,330 |
| Production Occupations | 76,240 | $46,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 72,420 | $39,810 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 71,930 | $38,320 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 66,240 | $29,690 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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: Milwaukee averages 39.5 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 Wisconsin after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 31.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 10.5% lower than Lowell (96.937 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 54.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1089 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1089 mi and the route typically takes 20h 42m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Milwaukee, WI.