Moving from Lowell, MA to Springfield, IL
Relocating 1143 mi from Lowell to Springfield is a 21h 48m drive through 7 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.
1143 mi Β· 21h 48m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Manchester, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 14.3% cheaper overall in Springfield than Lowell on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
14.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.24 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.3% lower in Springfield than Lowell.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 66.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.3% lower than Lowell (92.745 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1143 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 Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 14.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1143 mi and the route typically takes 21h 48m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Springfield, IL.