Moving from Lowell, MA to Orlando, FL
The drive from Lowell, MA to Orlando, FL runs 1307 mi β about 25h 16m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1307 mi Β· 25h 16m by car Β· FL β GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Jacksonville, Savannah, Fayetteville, Raleigh, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Orlando | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 101.418 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 87.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 123.374 | 100.0 |
Orlando is 6.3% cheaper than Lowell overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Orlando is 6.3% below Lowell β $480,319 vs $374,136 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Orlando -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 50Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 51.5" |
Orlando runs 24.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (49.0Β°F vs 73.0Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Orlando gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, ORLANDO INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 311,732 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $69,268 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 26.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.46 |
Income steps down 6.3%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $69,268 in Orlando.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Orlando MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 181,030 | $39,680 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 159,660 | $30,310 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 150,100 | $35,810 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 118,970 | $36,790 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 93,670 | $73,450 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in 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 Orlando average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Orlando averages 51.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (24.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Orlando?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1307 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Orlando?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,268 in Orlando vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 9.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Orlando, FL from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1307 mi and the route typically takes 25h 16m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Orlando more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Orlando is 6.3% lower than Lowell (101.418 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Orlando compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $374,136 in Orlando vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 22.1% 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· Orlando, FL.