Moving from Lowell, MA to Newark, NJ
It is a 228 mi drive, roughly 4h 56m, between Lowell, MA and Newark, NJ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
228 mi Β· 4h 56m by car Β· NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CT 15, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, New York, Jersey City, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Lowell and Newark sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Newark ($478,455) sits close to Lowell ($480,319) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 50.4" |
Annual temperature rises 5.8Β°F moving to Newark per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Newark sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 4.0% less than Lowell at the median β $76,205 β $48,416 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- 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: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 228 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Newark more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 4.0% higher than Lowell (112.563 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 36.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newark, NJ from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 228 mi and the route typically takes 4h 56m via I 95 and CT 15. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 0.4% lower 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· Newark, NJ.