Moving from Madison, WI to Dearborn, MI
The 428 mi from Madison to Dearborn translate to about 8h 11m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
428 mi Β· 8h 11m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Dearborn and Madison is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dearborn is 3.1% below Madison β $423,767 vs $245,068 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Madison (47.2Β°F) and Dearborn (49.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dearborn averages 30.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.97 |
Income steps down 3.1%: $76,983 in Madison vs $65,192 in Dearborn.
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 Wisconsin 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 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Dearborn more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 3.1% higher than Madison (100.298 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 428 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 Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $423,767 in Madison β a 42.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $76,983 in Madison β a 15.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 428 mi and the route typically takes 8h 11m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Dearborn, MI.