Moving from New York, NY to Lowell, MA
Moving from New York, NY to Lowell, MA covers 220 mi and about 4h 46m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
220 mi Β· 4h 46m 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 | Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Lowell and New York is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lowell is 3.8% below New York β $812,861 vs $480,319 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New York | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | 48.5" |
Lowell is 6.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (55.5Β°F vs 49.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 38 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.71 |
Median household incomes in New York ($79,713) and Lowell ($76,205) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New York 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
- 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 New York vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $79,713 in New York β a 4.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lowell more expensive than New York?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 3.8% lower than New York (108.266 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lowell, MA from New York, NY?
The driving distance is 220 mi and the route typically takes 4h 46m via CT 15 and I 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from New York to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 220 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 Lowell compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $812,861 in New York β a 40.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New York.
City profiles: New York, NY Β· Lowell, MA.