Moving from Lowell, MA to Cary, NC
Relocating 715 mi from Lowell to Cary is a 14h 31m drive through 9 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.
715 mi Β· 14h 31m by car Β· NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 85, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Durham, Richmond, Alexandria, Baltimore |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Cary | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 98.157 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 88.96 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 103.476 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.3% cheaper overall in Cary than Lowell on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Cary -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 4.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 48.3" |
Expect 11.1Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Light snow year: Cary gets around 4.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, APEX, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 176,686 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $129,399 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 39.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 37.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.3% β $76,205 β $129,399 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cary MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,880 | $43,660 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 75,400 | $39,140 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 60,210 | $28,910 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 57,420 | $35,780 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 56,150 | $79,300 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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.
- Register to vote in North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Cary?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 715 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cary, NC from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 715 mi and the route typically takes 14h 31m via I 95 and I 85. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cary more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cary is 9.3% lower than Lowell (98.157 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Cary?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,399 in Cary vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 69.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cary compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $626,396 in Cary vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 30.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Cary, NC.