Moving from Buffalo, NY to Lowell, MA
It is a 459 mi drive, roughly 8h 58m, between Buffalo, NY and Lowell, MA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
459 mi Β· 8h 58m by car Β· NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 495, NY 33 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Syracuse, Hartford, Springfield, Worcester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Buffalo | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.844 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 129.489 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.989 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 13.0% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $238,089 to $480,319 moving to Lowell.
YoY change: Buffalo +3.8%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Buffalo | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 95.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 48.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Buffalo (48.8Β°F) and Lowell (49.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BUFFALO, NY US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Buffalo | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.31 | 2.71 |
Lowell households earn about 13.0% more than Buffalo at the median β $48,050 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 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
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 459 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 Buffalo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $238,089 in Buffalo β a 101.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Buffalo vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $48,050 in Buffalo β a 58.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lowell, MA from Buffalo, NY?
The driving distance is 459 mi and the route typically takes 8h 58m via I 90 and I 495. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lowell more expensive than Buffalo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 13.0% higher than Buffalo (108.266 vs 95.844, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Buffalo.
City profiles: Buffalo, NY Β· Lowell, MA.