Moving from Chicago, IL to Lowell, MA
A move from Chicago, IL to Lowell, MA covers 997 mi and around 18h 51m of driving through 7 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.
997 mi Β· 18h 51m 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 | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Lowell and Chicago is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lowell is 4.5% above Chicago β $317,283 vs $480,319 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 48.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Chicago (50.8Β°F) and Lowell (49.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.71 |
Median household incomes in Chicago ($75,134) and Lowell ($76,205) are within a few percent (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
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 997 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lowell more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 4.5% higher than Chicago (108.266 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 1.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lowell, MA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 997 mi and the route typically takes 18h 51m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 51.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Lowell, MA.