Moving from Memphis, TN to Dearborn, MI
The drive from Memphis, TN to Dearborn, MI runs 731 mi — about 13h 39m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
731 mi · 13h 39m by car · TN → KY → OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 40, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Ann Arbor, Detroit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 8.8% pricier overall in Dearborn than Memphis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dearborn typical home at $245,068 is 8.8% above Memphis at $144,710 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 35.1" |
Climate cools by 13.9°F on the annual average — 63.4°F → 49.5°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Dearborn sees 30.8 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.97 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.8% between Memphis and Dearborn (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 Tennessee 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Dearborn averages 30.8 in annually vs 2.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.9°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 far is Dearborn, MI from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 731 mi and the route typically takes 13h 39m via I 75 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 731 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 8.8% higher than Memphis (100.298 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Dearborn?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.5°F in Dearborn vs 63.4°F in Memphis (13.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 30.8 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 35.1 in vs 54.9 in.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 27.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 69.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 625,340 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Dearborn, MI.