Moving from Boston, MA to Dearborn, MI
A move from Boston, MA to Dearborn, MI covers 813 mi and around 15h 28m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
813 mi · 15h 28m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Dearborn is 7.4% cheaper than Boston overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dearborn is 7.4% below Boston — $798,217 vs $245,068 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boston | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Boston (51.9°F) and Dearborn (49.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dearborn averages 30.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.97 |
Median household income in Dearborn is 7.4% below Boston ($94,755 vs $65,192, ACS 5-year 2023).
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.
Moving between Massachusetts and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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 off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Dearborn more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 7.4% lower than Boston (100.298 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $94,755 in Boston — a 31.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $798,217 in Boston — a 69.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Boston and Dearborn?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.5°F in Dearborn vs 51.9°F in Boston (2.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 30.8 in vs 49.2 in. Annual precipitation: 35.1 in vs 43.6 in.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 813 mi and the route typically takes 15h 28m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Boston 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 813 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA · Dearborn, MI.