Moving from Lowell, MA to Norman, OK
Cross-country relocations like Lowell, MA β Norman, OK cover 1702 mi and about 31h 53m of driving through 9 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.
1702 mi Β· 31h 53m by car Β· OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 70, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Norman | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Norman are 16.5% 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: Norman typical home at $262,839 is 16.5% under Lowell at $480,319 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Norman +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 4.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 37.7" |
Climate warms by 11.7Β°F on the annual average β 49.0Β°F β 60.7Β°F.
Expect 4.1 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, NORMAN 3SSE, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 128,714 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $65,060 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.5 |
Income steps down 16.5%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $65,060 in Norman.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Norman MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Norman average 93Β°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 (11.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Norman?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1702 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Norman compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,839 in Norman vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 45.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Norman, OK from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1702 mi and the route typically takes 31h 53m via I 44 and I 70. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Norman more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norman is 16.5% lower than Lowell (90.408 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Norman?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,060 in Norman vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 14.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Norman, OK.