Moving from Thornton, CO to Lowell, MA
A 1976 mi cross-country move between Thornton and Lowell is 36h 4m 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.
1976 mi Β· 36h 4m by car Β· CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE β IA β 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 | Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Thornton | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Thornton to Lowell β $502,945 vs $480,319 (2026-03).
YoY change: Thornton -3.3%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Thornton | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 48.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Thornton | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,878 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $100,985 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.3% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.71 |
Lowell households earn about 2.3% less than Thornton at the median β $100,985 β $76,205 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- 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
How far is Lowell, MA from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance is 1976 mi and the route typically takes 36h 4m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Thornton vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $100,985 in Thornton β a 24.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Thornton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $502,945 in Thornton β a 4.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Thornton to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1976 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lowell more expensive than Thornton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 2.3% higher than Thornton (108.266 vs 105.782, 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 Thornton.
City profiles: Thornton, CO Β· Lowell, MA.