Moving from Lowell, MA to Dallas, TX
Cross-country relocations like Lowell, MA β Dallas, TX cover 1762 mi and about 32h 42m of driving through 11 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1762 mi Β· 32h 42m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Plano, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Dallas | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lowell (108.266) and Dallas (103.09) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dallas: 4.8% below Lowell on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Dallas -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 38.3" |
Major climate step-up: 19.0Β°F warmer annual average in Dallas vs Lowell.
Light snow year: Dallas gets around 1.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 1,299,553 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $67,760 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.46 |
Income steps down 4.8%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $67,760 in Dallas.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dallas MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Dallas average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Dallas, TX from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1762 mi and the route typically takes 32h 42m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dallas more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dallas is 4.8% lower than Lowell (103.09 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Dallas?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,760 in Dallas vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 11.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dallas compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,421 in Dallas vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 35.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Dallas?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1762 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Dallas, TX.