Moving from Syracuse, NY to Dearborn, MI
It is a 498 mi drive, roughly 9h 41m, between Syracuse, NY and Dearborn, MI. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
498 mi · 9h 41m by car · NY → PA → OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA → OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 75, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 95.742 vs 100.298 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.8% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Syracuse (48.5°F) and Dearborn (49.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dearborn averages 30.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.97 |
Dearborn households earn about 4.8% more than Syracuse at the median — $45,845 → $65,192 on 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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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
- Winter gear first: Dearborn averages 30.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Dearborn?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.5°F in Dearborn vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (1.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 30.8 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 35.1 in vs 39.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 16.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 4.8% higher than Syracuse (100.298 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse 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 498 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 498 mi and the route typically takes 9h 41m via I 90 and I 75. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 42.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 294,490 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 Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Dearborn, MI.