Moving from Lowell, MA to Brockton, MA
It is a 50 mi drive, roughly 1h 9m, between Lowell, MA and Brockton, 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.
50 mi Β· 1h 9m by car Β· MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, MA 128, US 3 |
| Major cities en route | Manchester, Worcester, Cambridge, Boston, Providence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Brockton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 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
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Lowell to Brockton β $480,319 vs $503,833 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Brockton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 34.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 50.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 34.3 in of snowfall annually at Brockton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, BROCKTON, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 105,080 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $77,089 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 14.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.95 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Brockton averages 34.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Brockton averages 50.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Brockton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 50 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 Brockton compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $503,833 in Brockton vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 4.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Brockton, MA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 50 mi and the route typically takes 1h 9m via I 95 and MA 128. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Brockton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,089 in Brockton vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 1.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Brockton, MA.