Moving from Rochester, MN to Warren, MI
Relocating 639 mi from Rochester to Warren is a 11h 56m 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.
639 mi Β· 11h 56m by car Β· MI β IN β IL β WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL β WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Sterling Heights, Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Warren | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Warren runs about 10.4% more expensive overall than Rochester β RPP 90.821 β 100.298.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $339,455 in Rochester to $196,785 in Warren, a 10.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Warren +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 29.9" |
Expect 5.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, DETROIT CITY AP, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 138,128 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $63,741 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 13.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.55 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.4% β $87,767 β $63,741 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Warren 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Warren?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 639 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Warren?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,741 in Warren vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 27.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Warren, MI from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 639 mi and the route typically takes 11h 56m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Warren more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Warren is 10.4% higher than Rochester (100.298 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Warren compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Warren MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Warren compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $196,785 in Warren vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 42.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Warren, MI.