Moving from Omaha, NE to Lowell, MA

A move from Omaha, NE to Lowell, MA covers 1457 mi and around 27h 16m of driving through 9 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.

1457 mi Β· 27h 16m by car Β· NE β†’ IA β†’ IL β†’ IN β†’ OH β†’ PA β†’ NY β†’ CT β†’ MA

COL +17.8% Home values +63.3% Ξ” -2.3Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1457 mi
Drive time
27h 16m
States
9
Fuel (25 mpg)
58 gal
Route throughNE β†’ IA β†’ IL β†’ IN β†’ OH β†’ PA β†’ NY β†’ CT β†’ MA
Primary highwaysI 80, I 90, I 84
Major cities en routeDes Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

OmahaLowellU.S. avg
All items (RPP)91.911108.266100.0
Rents76.378148.768100.0
Goods94.06399.651100.0
Services86.404148.424100.0

BEA RPP moves from 91.911 in Omaha to 108.266 in Lowell, a 17.8% bump on the overall price level.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Omaha β€” typical home
$294,189
Lowell β€” typical home
$480,319
Omaha β€” typical rent
$1,431/mo
Lowell β€” typical rent
$2,242/mo

Homes run dramatically pricier in Lowell: 17.8% above Omaha on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsOmahaLowell
Annual avg temperature51Β°F49Β°F
January avg low15Β°F16Β°F
July avg high85Β°F85Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitationβ€”48.5"

No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, LOWELL, MA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023OmahaLowell
Population488,197114,799
Median household income$72,708$76,205
Median age35.335.5
Bachelor's degree or higher25.6%18%
Avg household size2.442.71

No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Omaha MSA β€” median wage
$47,580
Lowell MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Omaha MSA β€” employment
483,970
Lowell MSA β€” employment
β€”

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Nebraska and Massachusetts

Nebraska income tax
5.2% top marginal
Massachusetts income tax
9% top marginal

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 20–30% 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

  • 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

Is Lowell more expensive than Omaha?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 17.8% higher than Omaha (108.266 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Omaha?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $294,189 in Omaha β€” a 63.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How far is Lowell, MA from Omaha, NE?

The driving distance is 1457 mi and the route typically takes 27h 16m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Omaha vs Lowell?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $72,708 in Omaha β€” a 4.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Omaha to Lowell?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1457 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 Omaha.

City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Lowell, MA.

Related routes