Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Surprise, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Ann Arbor, MI → Surprise, AZ cover 2012 mi and about 35h 32m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2012 mi · 35h 32m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Ann Arbor (100.88) and Surprise (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Surprise ZHVI at $422,473 is 2.4% below Ann Arbor at $523,391.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 9.6" |
Major climate step-up: 22.0°F warmer annual average in Surprise vs Ann Arbor.
Effectively snow-free year in Surprise — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.75 |
Income steps up 2.4%: $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $93,371 in Surprise.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Surprise average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (22.0°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 2012 mi and the route typically takes 35h 32m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Surprise?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Surprise vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (22.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 37.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2012 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 15.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 19.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Surprise more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 2.4% higher than Ann Arbor (103.316 vs 100.88, 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 Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Surprise, AZ.