Moving from Lowell, MA to Waco, TX
A 1862 mi cross-country move between Lowell and Waco is 34h 32m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1862 mi Β· 34h 32m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Expect about 14.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Waco at 92.55 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $480,319 to $194,245 moving to Waco.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 37.5" |
Expect 17.6Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Waco gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.68 |
Waco households earn about 14.5% less than Lowell at the median β $76,205 β $51,468 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
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 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-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 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 Waco average 95Β°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 (17.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Waco more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 14.5% lower than Lowell (92.55 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 59.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Waco, TX from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1862 mi and the route typically takes 34h 32m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1862 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 Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 32.5% 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· Waco, TX.