Moving from Syracuse, NY to Lowell, MA
Relocating between Syracuse, NY and Lowell, MA is a 316 mi drive β 6h 15m 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.
316 mi Β· 6h 15m by car Β· NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 495, MA 110 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, Springfield, Worcester, Providence, Cambridge |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Lowell runs about 13.1% more expensive overall than Syracuse β RPP 95.742 β 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $210,251 in Syracuse to $480,319 in Lowell, a 13.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Syracuse | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 48.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.5Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.71 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.1% β $45,845 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 York 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 Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 13.1% higher than Syracuse (108.266 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lowell, MA from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 316 mi and the route typically takes 6h 15m via I 90 and I 495. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $210,251 in Syracuse β a 128.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 316 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 Syracuse vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $45,845 in Syracuse β a 66.2% higher 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 Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY Β· Lowell, MA.