Moving from Dayton, OH to Dearborn, MI
It is a 201 mi drive, roughly 3h 51m, between Dayton, OH and Dearborn, MI. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
201 mi · 3h 51m by car · OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, M 39, SR 65 |
| Major cities en route | Toledo, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 8.2% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.2% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $136,592 to $245,068 moving to Dearborn.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dayton | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Dayton (53.3°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: DAYTON MCD, OH US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.97 |
Dearborn households earn about 8.2% more than Dayton at the median — $43,454 → $65,192 on ACS 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 Ohio 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 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
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $136,592 in Dayton — a 79.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 8.2% higher than Dayton (100.298 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 201 mi and the route typically takes 3h 51m via I 75 and M 39. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Dayton and Dearborn?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.5°F in Dearborn vs 53.3°F in Dayton (3.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 30.8 in vs 12.3 in. Annual precipitation: 35.1 in vs 41.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Dayton 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 201 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $43,454 in Dayton — a 50.0% 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 Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH · Dearborn, MI.