Moving from Rochester, NY to Lowell, MA
Relocating between Rochester, NY and Lowell, MA is a 398 mi drive β 7h 49m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
398 mi Β· 7h 49m by car Β· NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 495, I 490 |
| Major cities en route | Syracuse, Hartford, Springfield, Worcester, Cambridge |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.035 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.213 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.481 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Lowell runs about 11.6% more expensive overall than Rochester β RPP 97.035 β 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $235,784 in Rochester to $480,319 in Lowell, a 11.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rochester +3.0%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 102.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 48.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.5Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER GTR INTL AP, NY US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,720 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $46,628 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.3% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.71 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.6% β $46,628 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 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 Rochester vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $46,628 in Rochester β a 63.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lowell more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 11.6% higher than Rochester (108.266 vs 97.035, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $235,784 in Rochester β a 103.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 398 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lowell, MA from Rochester, NY?
The driving distance is 398 mi and the route typically takes 7h 49m via I 90 and I 495. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, NY Β· Lowell, MA.