Moving from Lowell, MA to Rochester, NY
Relocating between Lowell, MA and Rochester, NY is a 398 mi drive β 7h 49m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
398 mi Β· 7h 49m by car Β· NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 495, I 490 |
| Major cities en route | Syracuse, Hartford, Springfield, Worcester, Cambridge |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 97.035 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 133.213 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 87.481 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Rochester at 97.035 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $480,319 to $235,784 moving to Rochester.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Rochester +3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 102.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Lowell (49.0Β°F) and Rochester (49.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Rochester averages 102.0 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, ROCHESTER GTR INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 209,720 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $46,628 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 17.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.27 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.4% β $76,205 β $46,628 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 61,270 | $44,600 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 45,540 | $60,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 41,530 | $35,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 39,820 | $34,320 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 34,560 | $39,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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: Rochester averages 102.0 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Rochester, NY from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 398 mi and the route typically takes 7h 49m via I 90 and I 495. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Rochester more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 10.4% lower than Lowell (97.035 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $46,628 in Rochester vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 38.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 398 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $235,784 in Rochester vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 50.9% 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· Rochester, NY.