Moving from Lowell, MA to West Palm Beach, FL
It is 1427 mi between Lowell and West Palm Beach β roughly 27h 23m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 12 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1427 mi Β· 27h 23m 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 | Port St Lucie, Palm Bay, Jacksonville, Savannah, Fayetteville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | West Palm Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.4% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 5.4% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, West Palm Beach -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | West Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 58Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 61.7" |
Expect 26.8Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | West Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 119,508 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $69,261 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 23.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.37 |
Households in West Palm Beach earn about 5.4% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Palm Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
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 West Palm Beach average 90Β°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: West Palm Beach averages 61.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (26.8Β°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
How much do homes cost in West Palm Beach compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $399,471 in West Palm Beach vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 16.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is West Palm Beach, FL from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1427 mi and the route typically takes 27h 23m 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 West Palm Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,261 in West Palm Beach vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 9.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to West Palm Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1427 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is West Palm Beach more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Palm Beach is 5.4% higher than Lowell (114.155 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· West Palm Beach, FL.