Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Dearborn, MI
Relocating 686 mi from Minneapolis to Dearborn is a 12h 41m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
686 mi Β· 12h 41m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, MN 55, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 104.822 vs 100.298 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.3% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $330,882 to $245,068 moving to Dearborn.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Minneapolis (45.8Β°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: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 33 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.97 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.3% lower in Dearborn than Minneapolis.
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 Minnesota 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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- 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
How far is Dearborn, MI from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 686 mi and the route typically takes 12h 41m via I 94 and MN 55. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 18.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 686 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 25.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 4.3% lower than Minneapolis (100.298 vs 104.822, 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 Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Dearborn, MI.