Moving from Lowell, MA to Durham, NC
It is 700 mi between Lowell and Durham β roughly 14h 12m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 9 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.
700 mi Β· 14h 12m 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, Cary, Richmond, Alexandria, Baltimore |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.9% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Durham at 97.572 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 9.9% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 48.6" |
Annual temperature rises 9.4Β°F moving to Durham per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.34 |
Median household incomes in Lowell ($76,205) and Durham ($79,234) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Durham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 37,060 | $71,120 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,210 | $45,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 27,730 | $63,500 |
| Management Occupations | 27,600 | $133,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 27,050 | $82,000 |
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
- 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
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 4.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 700 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Durham more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 9.9% lower than Lowell (97.572 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Durham, NC from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 700 mi and the route typically takes 14h 12m via I 95 and I 85. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 17.5% lower 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· Durham, NC.