Moving from Cambridge, MA to Dearborn, MI
It is 809 mi between Cambridge and Dearborn β roughly 15h 23m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
809 mi Β· 15h 23m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Brockton, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.4% moving from Cambridge to Dearborn β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $1,041,569 in Cambridge to $245,068 in Dearborn, a 7.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 35.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°F vs 49.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dearborn sees 30.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.97 |
Dearborn households earn about 7.4% less than Cambridge at the median β $126,469 β $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 Massachusetts 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 off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β 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 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
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 48.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 809 mi and the route typically takes 15h 23m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 76.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 809 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 7.4% lower than Cambridge (100.298 vs 108.266, 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 Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Dearborn, MI.