Moving from Lowell, MA to Pasadena, CA
Moving from Lowell, MA to Pasadena, CA is a 2989 mi cross-country relocation β about 53h 40m of driving through 14 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2989 mi Β· 53h 40m by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Garden Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lowell (108.266) and Pasadena (113.566) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Pasadena: 4.9% above Lowell on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Pasadena -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 20.1" |
Major climate step-up: 17.0Β°F warmer annual average in Pasadena vs Lowell.
Effectively snow-free year in Pasadena β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, PASADENA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 136,462 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $103,778 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 30% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Pasadena is 4.9% above Lowell ($76,205 vs $103,778, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pasadena MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Pasadena, CA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 2989 mi and the route typically takes 53h 40m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 14 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,209,228 in Pasadena vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 151.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 4.9% higher than Lowell (113.566 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,778 in Pasadena vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 36.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2989 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· Pasadena, CA.