Moving from College Station, TX to Ann Arbor, MI
The drive from College Station, TX to Ann Arbor, MI runs 1278 mi β about 23h 15m 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.
1278 mi Β· 23h 15m 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 94, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Tyler, Little Rock, Memphis, Joliet, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Ann Arbor is 10.9% higher than College Station, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Ann Arbor is 10.9% above College Station β $349,041 vs $523,391 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 37.9" |
Ann Arbor runs 21.2Β°F colder on the annual average (69.4Β°F vs 48.2Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.43 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.9% between College Station and Ann Arbor (ACS 2023).
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 (21.2Β°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 far is Ann Arbor, MI from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 1278 mi and the route typically takes 23h 15m via I 57 and I 94. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 10.9% higher than College Station (100.88 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $51,776 in College Station β a 56.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from College Station 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 1278 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $349,041 in College Station β a 50.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Ann Arbor, MI.