Moving from Lowell, MA to Yonkers, NY
It is a 201 mi drive, roughly 4h 19m, between Lowell, MA and Yonkers, 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.
201 mi Β· 4h 19m by car Β· NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CT 15, I 84, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Yonkers | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Lowell and Yonkers sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $480,319 in Lowell to $680,218 in Yonkers, a 4.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 51.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 53.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Yonkers sees 32.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 209,529 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $81,816 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 19.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.6 |
Households in Yonkers earn about 4.0% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Yonkers MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
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: Yonkers averages 32.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Yonkers averages 51.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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
Is Yonkers more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 4.0% higher than Lowell (112.563 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Yonkers?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 201 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 Yonkers compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 41.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Yonkers, NY from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 201 mi and the route typically takes 4h 19m via CT 15 and I 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Yonkers?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 7.4% higher 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· Yonkers, NY.