Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Lowell, MA
Relocating 1089 mi from Milwaukee to Lowell is a 20h 42m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1089 mi Β· 20h 42m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Lowell runs about 11.7% more expensive overall than Milwaukee β RPP 96.937 β 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $220,137 in Milwaukee to $480,319 in Lowell, a 11.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 48.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.71 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.7% β $51,888 β $76,205 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 46.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 118.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lowell more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 11.7% higher than Milwaukee (108.266 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lowell, MA from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 1089 mi and the route typically takes 20h 42m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1089 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Lowell, MA.