Moving from Lowell, MA to Worcester, MA
It is a short 41 mi hop from Lowell, MA to Worcester, MA β roughly 54 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
41 mi Β· 54 min by car Β· MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 495, I 290, MA 110 |
| Major cities en route | Cambridge, Boston, Manchester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 5.3% moving from Lowell to Worcester β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Worcester run about 5.3% cheaper β ZHVI $480,319 β $430,112 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 48.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 48.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Worcester sees 72.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.6 |
Households in Worcester earn about 5.3% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Worcester averages 72.9 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 11.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Worcester, MA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 41 mi and the route typically takes 54 min via I 495 and I 290. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 41 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 Worcester compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 10.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Worcester more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 5.3% lower than Lowell (102.523 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· Worcester, MA.