Moving from Dearborn, MI to Cambridge, MA
It is 809 mi between Dearborn and Cambridge β roughly 15h 23m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
809 mi Β· 15h 23m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Brockton, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dearborn | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 7.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $245,068 to $1,041,569 moving to Cambridge.
YoY change: Dearborn +4.3%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dearborn | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 30.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Dearborn (49.5Β°F) and Cambridge (51.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN, MI US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dearborn | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,846 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $65,192 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 32.6 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.38 |
Cambridge households earn about 7.9% more than Dearborn at the median β $65,192 β $126,469 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Dearborn vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $65,192 in Dearborn β a 94.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Dearborn?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 7.9% higher than Dearborn (108.266 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Dearborn, MI?
The driving distance is 809 mi and the route typically takes 15h 23m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Dearborn?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $245,068 in Dearborn β a 325.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Dearborn to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 809 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Dearborn.
City profiles: Dearborn, MI Β· Cambridge, MA.