Moving from Rockford, IL to Lowell, MA
The drive from Rockford, IL to Lowell, MA runs 1080 mi β about 20h 35m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1080 mi Β· 20h 35m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | 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 | Aurora, Naperville, Elgin, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rockford | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Lowell is 17.5% higher than Rockford, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lowell is 17.5% above Rockford β $177,225 vs $480,319 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rockford | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 48.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Rockford (49.4Β°F) and Lowell (49.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.71 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 17.5% between Rockford and Lowell (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois 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
- 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 much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $177,225 in Rockford β a 171.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lowell more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 17.5% higher than Rockford (108.266 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rockford vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $53,328 in Rockford β a 42.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1080 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 Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 1080 mi and the route typically takes 20h 35m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 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 Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL Β· Lowell, MA.