Moving from South Bend, IN to Lowell, MA
Relocating 907 mi from South Bend to Lowell is a 17h 9m drive through 6 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.
907 mi Β· 17h 9m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Manchester, Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Bend | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.858 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.733 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.221 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.586 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Lowell runs about 16.6% more expensive overall than South Bend β RPP 92.858 β 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $192,340 in South Bend to $480,319 in Lowell, a 16.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: South Bend +4.9%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | South Bend | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 48.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.8Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: S BEND, IN US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Bend | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,866 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $52,512 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 33.9 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.71 |
Expect median household income to rise 16.6% β $52,512 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 Indiana 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from South Bend to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 907 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lowell, MA from South Bend, IN?
The driving distance is 907 mi and the route typically takes 17h 9m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in South Bend vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $52,512 in South Bend β a 45.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to South Bend?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $192,340 in South Bend β a 149.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lowell more expensive than South Bend?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 16.6% higher than South Bend (108.266 vs 92.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from South Bend.
City profiles: South Bend, IN Β· Lowell, MA.