Moving from College Station, TX to Sterling Heights, MI
Relocating 1304 mi from College Station to Sterling Heights is a 24h 8m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1304 mi Β· 24h 8m by car Β· MI β OH β IN β IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH β IN β IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 70, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Sterling Heights | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 10.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 10.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Sterling Heights +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 35.0" |
Expect 20.7Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Sterling Heights averages 32.2 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, MT CLEMENS ANG BASE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 133,473 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $78,429 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 10.3% β $51,776 β $78,429 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sterling Heights 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 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: Sterling Heights averages 32.2 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 (20.7Β°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
Is Sterling Heights more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sterling Heights is 10.3% higher than College Station (100.298 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Sterling Heights, MI from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 1304 mi and the route typically takes 24h 8m via I 57 and I 70. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Sterling Heights compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,785 in Sterling Heights vs $349,041 in College Station β a 12.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Sterling Heights?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1304 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Sterling Heights?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,429 in Sterling Heights vs $51,776 in College Station β a 51.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Sterling Heights compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Sterling Heights MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 128,840 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 College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Sterling Heights, MI.