Moving from Elgin, IL to Lowell, MA
It is 1036 mi between Elgin and Lowell β roughly 19h 47m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 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.
1036 mi Β· 19h 47m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Manchester, Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | 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 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 48.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.71 |
Households in Lowell earn about 4.5% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Lowell more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 4.5% higher than Elgin (108.266 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lowell, MA from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 1036 mi and the route typically takes 19h 47m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 13.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 45.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1036 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Lowell, MA.