Moving from Lowell, MA to Savannah, GA

Relocating 1027 mi from Lowell to Savannah is a 20h 6m drive through 11 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β€” rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.

1027 mi Β· 20h 6m by car Β· GA β†’ SC β†’ NC β†’ VA β†’ DC β†’ MD β†’ DE β†’ NJ β†’ NY β†’ CT β†’ MA

COL -12.1% Home values -32.0% Ξ” +18.5Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1027 mi
Drive time
20h 6m
States
11
Fuel (25 mpg)
41 gal
Route throughGA β†’ SC β†’ NC β†’ VA β†’ DC β†’ MD β†’ DE β†’ NJ β†’ NY β†’ CT β†’ MA
Primary highwaysI 95, NJTP, CT 15
Major cities en routeFayetteville, Richmond, Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

LowellSavannahU.S. avg
All items (RPP)108.26695.206100.0
Rents148.76888.603100.0
Goods99.65196.269100.0
Services148.42486.012100.0

Moderate COL drop: 12.1% cheaper overall in Savannah than Lowell on the 2024 BEA RPP.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Lowell β€” typical home
$480,319
Savannah β€” typical home
$326,509
Lowell β€” typical rent
$2,242/mo
Savannah β€” typical rent
$1,745/mo

12.1% drop on the typical home value β€” a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.

YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Savannah -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsLowellSavannah
Annual avg temperature49Β°F68Β°F
January avg low16Β°F40Β°F
July avg high85Β°F92Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitation48.5"48.1"

Annual average temperature gap of 18.5Β°F β€” a meaningful climate change across the move.

Effectively snow-free year in Savannah β€” NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023LowellSavannah
Population114,799147,546
Median household income$76,205$56,782
Median age35.533.7
Bachelor's degree or higher18%20.6%
Avg household size2.712.52

Expect median household income to fall 12.1% β€” $76,205 β†’ $56,782 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Lowell MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Savannah MSA β€” median wage
$43,490
Lowell MSA β€” employment
β€”
Savannah MSA β€” employment
188,970

Top occupations in Savannah MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 24,950 $41,600
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 21,870 $37,820
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 21,400 $28,500
Sales and Related Occupations 18,460 $31,030
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 12,220 $76,810

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Massachusetts and Georgia

Massachusetts income tax
9% top marginal
Georgia income tax
5.39% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • 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.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Savannah average 92Β°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 (18.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
  • 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 Georgia after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How much do homes cost in Savannah compared to Lowell?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $326,509 in Savannah vs $480,319 in Lowell β€” a 32.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

When is the best time to move from Lowell to Savannah?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1027 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Is Savannah more expensive than Lowell?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Savannah is 12.1% lower than Lowell (95.206 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How far is Savannah, GA from Lowell, MA?

The driving distance is 1027 mi and the route typically takes 20h 6m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Lowell vs Savannah?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,782 in Savannah vs $76,205 in Lowell β€” a 25.5% 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· Savannah, GA.

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