Moving from Arlington, TX to Ann Arbor, MI
The drive from Arlington, TX to Ann Arbor, MI runs 1197 mi β about 21h 21m 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.
1197 mi Β· 21h 21m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Arlington | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Ann Arbor and Arlington are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.09 vs 100.88); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Ann Arbor typical home at $523,391 is 2.1% above Arlington at $310,971 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Arlington -3.0%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Arlington | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.2" | 37.9" |
NOAA normals show Ann Arbor running 18.6Β°F below Arlington on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Ann Arbor sees 59.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ARLINGTON MUNI AP, TX US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Arlington | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 394,769 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $73,519 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.8% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.81 | 2.43 |
Income steps up 2.1%: $73,519 in Arlington vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas 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: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Arlington?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $48,440 in the Arlington MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Arlington vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $73,519 in Arlington β a 10.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Arlington to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1197 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Arlington?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 2.1% lower than Arlington (100.88 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Arlington?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $310,971 in Arlington β a 68.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Arlington, TX?
The driving distance is 1197 mi and the route typically takes 21h 21m via I 57 and I 30. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Arlington.
City profiles: Arlington, TX Β· Ann Arbor, MI.