Moving from Lowell, MA to Manchester, NH
Relocating from Lowell, MA to Manchester, NH? The drive is 34 mi β about 47 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
34 mi Β· 47 min by car Β· NH β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NH β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 93, MA 110, NH 101 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Cambridge |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Manchester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 105.657 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 133.535 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 97.687 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 134.22 | 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 comes in 2.4% under Lowell β $480,319 β $435,334 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Manchester +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 13Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 52.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 42.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 52.8 in of snowfall annually at Manchester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 115,415 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $77,415 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.33 |
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.
Moving between Massachusetts and New Hampshire
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Hampshire'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-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Manchester averages 52.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 New Hampshire after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Manchester compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,334 in Manchester vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 9.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Manchester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 34 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 Manchester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,415 in Manchester vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 1.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Manchester, NH from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 34 mi and the route typically takes 47 min via I 93 and MA 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Manchester more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Manchester is 2.4% lower than Lowell (105.657 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· Manchester, NH.