Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to St. Louis, MO
The drive from Ann Arbor, MI to St. Louis, MO runs 511 mi β about 9h 32m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
511 mi Β· 9h 32m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Joliet, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in St. Louis are 5.7% below Ann Arbor β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 43.9" |
Climate warms by 9.8Β°F on the annual average β 48.2Β°F β 58.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.03 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.7% between Ann Arbor and St. Louis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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 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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 511 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 5.7% lower than Ann Arbor (95.088 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 31.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is St. Louis, MO from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 511 mi and the route typically takes 9h 32m via I 55 and I 94. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· St. Louis, MO.