Moving from Akron, OH to Lowell, MA
It is 645 mi between Akron and Lowell β roughly 12h 24m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
645 mi Β· 12h 24m by car Β· OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Lowell runs about 16.0% more expensive overall than Akron β RPP 93.37 β 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $137,894 in Akron to $480,319 in Lowell, a 16.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 48.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.71 |
Lowell households earn about 16.0% more than Akron at the median β $48,544 β $76,205 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio 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
When is the best time to move from Akron to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 645 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 Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 645 mi and the route typically takes 12h 24m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lowell more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 16.0% higher than Akron (108.266 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $48,544 in Akron β a 57.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $137,894 in Akron β a 248.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Lowell, MA.