Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lowell, MA
Relocating 1316 mi from Des Moines to Lowell is a 24h 43m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1316 mi Β· 24h 43m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β 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 | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 18.1% 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 18.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $480,319 moving to Lowell.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 48.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9Β°F) and Lowell (49.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.71 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 18.1% higher in Lowell than Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa 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 does household income compare in Des Moines vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 19.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1316 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lowell more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 18.1% higher than Des Moines (108.266 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 130.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lowell, MA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1316 mi and the route typically takes 24h 43m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Lowell, MA.