Moving from Lowell, MA to Round Rock, TX
A 1941 mi cross-country move between Lowell and Round Rock is 35h 52m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1941 mi · 35h 52m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → MD → PA → NJ → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → MD → PA → NJ → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.4% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Round Rock at 98.066 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 9.4% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.66 |
Round Rock households earn about 9.4% more than Lowell at the median — $76,205 → $97,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Round Rock more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 9.4% lower than Lowell (98.066 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1941 mi and the route typically takes 35h 52m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $480,319 in Lowell — a 15.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $76,205 in Lowell — a 27.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1941 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 · Round Rock, TX.