Moving from Lowell, MA to Springfield, MO
The drive from Lowell, MA to Springfield, MO runs 1400 mi β about 26h 30m 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.
1400 mi Β· 26h 30m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Dayton, Columbus, Akron, Stamford |
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 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 18.2% below Lowell β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $242,870 is 18.2% under Lowell at $480,319 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 46.5" |
Climate warms by 7.4Β°F on the annual average β 49.0Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.13 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 18.2% between Lowell and Springfield (ACS 2023).
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 | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- 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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, MO from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1400 mi and the route typically takes 26h 30m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 39.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 18.2% lower than Lowell (88.585 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 49.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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 1400 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· Springfield, MO.