Moving from Lowell, MA to Syracuse, NY
It is a 316 mi drive, roughly 6h 15m, between Lowell, MA and Syracuse, NY. 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.
316 mi Β· 6h 15m by car Β· NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 495, MA 110 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, Springfield, Worcester, Providence, Cambridge |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Syracuse | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 95.742 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 133.405 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 80.656 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 11.6% moving from Lowell to Syracuse 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 $210,251 in Syracuse, a 11.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Syracuse +5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 127.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 39.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 48.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Syracuse sees 127.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 146,211 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $45,845 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.47 |
Syracuse households earn about 11.6% less than Lowell at the median β $76,205 β $45,845 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Syracuse MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,010 | $45,230 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 25,810 | $42,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,460 | $35,690 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 25,240 | $65,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,760 | $34,050 |
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: Syracuse averages 127.8 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
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Syracuse?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 316 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Syracuse more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Syracuse is 11.6% lower than Lowell (95.742 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Syracuse compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,251 in Syracuse vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 56.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Syracuse, NY from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 316 mi and the route typically takes 6h 15m via I 90 and I 495. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Syracuse?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,845 in Syracuse vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 39.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Syracuse, NY.