Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Dearborn, MI
Relocating from Ann Arbor, MI to Dearborn, MI? The drive is 34 mi — about 45 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
34 mi · 45 min by car · MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 94 BL, US 23 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Sterling Heights, Detroit, Warren |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.6% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 35.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 30.8 in of snowfall annually at Dearborn.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.97 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.6% lower in Dearborn than Ann Arbor.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dearborn MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dearborn averages 30.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 34 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 34 mi and the route typically takes 45 min via I 94 and I 94 BL. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 53.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 19.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Dearborn?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.5°F in Dearborn vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (1.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 30.8 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 35.1 in vs 37.9 in.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 0.6% lower than Ann Arbor (100.298 vs 100.88, 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 Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Dearborn, MI.