Moving from Lowell, MA to Palm Bay, FL
The drive from Lowell, MA to Palm Bay, FL runs 1333 mi β about 25h 39m 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.
1333 mi Β· 25h 39m 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 | Palm Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 100.005 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 88.064 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 111.731 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.266 to 100.005, putting Palm Bay roughly 7.6% below Lowell on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Palm Bay: 7.6% below Lowell on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Palm Bay -4.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 55.6" |
Major climate step-up: 23.6Β°F warmer annual average in Palm Bay vs Lowell.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, PALM BAY, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 125,273 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $67,521 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 41.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 14.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.82 |
Income steps down 7.6%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $67,521 in Palm Bay.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Palm Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,820 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,880 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,200 | $33,940 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 16,730 | $79,650 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 15,660 | $73,620 |
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 Palm Bay average 91Β°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: Palm Bay averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (23.6Β°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
Is Palm Bay more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Palm Bay is 7.6% lower than Lowell (100.005 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Palm Bay, FL from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1333 mi and the route typically takes 25h 39m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Palm Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,521 in Palm Bay vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 11.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Palm Bay compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $302,461 in Palm Bay vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 37.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Palm Bay?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1333 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· Palm Bay, FL.