Moving from Detroit, MI to Dearborn, MI
Moving from Detroit, MI to Dearborn, MI is a 10 mi drive, about 19 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
10 mi Β· 19 min by car Β· MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 12, M 10 |
| Major cities en route | Sterling Heights, Warren, Ann Arbor |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Detroit | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Dearborn and Detroit are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.298 vs 100.298); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dearborn typical home at $245,068 is 0.0% above Detroit at $75,358 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Detroit -3.0%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Detroit | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.9" | 35.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.3Β°F vs 49.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dearborn sees 30.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN #2, MI US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Detroit | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,644 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $39,575 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.97 |
Median household income in Dearborn is 0.0% above Detroit ($39,575 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.
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
- Winter gear first: Dearborn averages 30.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β 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
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 10 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Detroit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $75,358 in Detroit β a 225.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Detroit vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $39,575 in Detroit β a 64.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance is 10 mi and the route typically takes 19 min via I 94 and US 12. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Detroit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $48,950 in the Detroit MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Detroit.
City profiles: Detroit, MI Β· Dearborn, MI.