Moving from Naperville, IL to Lowell, MA
The drive from Naperville, IL to Lowell, MA runs 1024 mi β about 19h 27m 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.
1024 mi Β· 19h 27m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Lowell and Naperville are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 108.266); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lowell typical home at $480,319 is 4.5% under Naperville at $610,454 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 48.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.2Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.71 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.5% between Naperville and Lowell (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
Frequently asked
Is Lowell more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 4.5% higher than Naperville (108.266 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 21.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lowell, MA from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 1024 mi and the route typically takes 19h 27m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 49.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1024 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Lowell, MA.