Moving from Lowell, MA to Richmond, VA
The drive from Lowell, MA to Richmond, VA runs 549 mi β about 11h 24m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
549 mi Β· 11h 24m by car Β· VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Richmond is 9.6% cheaper than Lowell overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Richmond is 9.6% below Lowell β $480,319 vs $369,646 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 45.5" |
Climate warms by 9.9Β°F on the annual average β 49.0Β°F β 58.9Β°F.
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.23 |
Income steps down 9.6%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $62,671 in Richmond.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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-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.
Frequently asked
Is Richmond more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 9.6% lower than Lowell (97.858 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Richmond, VA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 549 mi and the route typically takes 11h 24m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 23.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 549 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 Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 17.8% 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· Richmond, VA.