Moving from Detroit, MI to Round Rock, TX
It is 1357 mi between Detroit and Round Rock — roughly 24h 28m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 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.
1357 mi · 24h 28m by car · MI → OH → IN → IL → MO → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MI → OH → IN → IL → MO → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Detroit | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 100.298 vs 98.066 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.2% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $75,358 to $407,077 moving to Round Rock.
YoY change: Detroit -3.0%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Detroit | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,644 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $39,575 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.5% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.66 |
Round Rock households earn about 2.2% more than Detroit at the median — $39,575 → $97,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Detroit vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $39,575 in Detroit — a 145.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Detroit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $75,358 in Detroit — a 440.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance is 1357 mi and the route typically takes 24h 28m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Detroit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $48,950 in the Detroit MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1357 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Detroit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 2.2% lower than Detroit (98.066 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Detroit.
City profiles: Detroit, MI · Round Rock, TX.