Moving from Lowell, MA to Cleveland, OH
The drive from Lowell, MA to Cleveland, OH runs 646 mi β about 12h 38m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
646 mi Β· 12h 38m by car Β· OH β PA β NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 271, I 495 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Cleveland are 13.2% below Lowell β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Cleveland typical home at $115,537 is 13.2% under Lowell at $480,319 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 33.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.18 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.2% between Lowell and Cleveland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Massachusetts and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 75.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 646 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 48.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 646 mi and the route typically takes 12h 38m via I 90 and I 271. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 13.2% lower than Lowell (93.923 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Cleveland, OH.