Moving from Paterson, NJ to Lowell, MA
Relocating between Paterson, NJ and Lowell, MA is a 223 mi drive β 4h 45m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
223 mi Β· 4h 45m by car Β· NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CT 15, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, New York, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Paterson and Lowell sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Lowell run about 3.8% cheaper β ZHVI $528,882 β $480,319 (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 48.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.71 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.8% β $53,766 β $76,205 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey 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
- 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 Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 3.8% lower than Paterson (108.266 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 223 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 Paterson vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 41.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lowell, MA from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 223 mi and the route typically takes 4h 45m via I 95 and CT 15. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 9.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Lowell, MA.