Moving from Omaha, NE to Dearborn, MI
The drive from Omaha, NE to Dearborn, MI runs 733 mi β about 13h 31m 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.
733 mi Β· 13h 31m by car Β· NE β IA β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Dearborn is 9.1% higher than Omaha, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dearborn is 9.1% below Omaha ($245,068 vs $294,189 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Omaha (51.3Β°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: OMAHA #1, NE US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.97 |
Income steps down 9.1%: $72,708 in Omaha 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 Nebraska 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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 733 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 Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 16.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 9.1% higher than Omaha (100.298 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 733 mi and the route typically takes 13h 31m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 10.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Dearborn, MI.