Moving from Dearborn, MI to Centennial, CO
A move from Dearborn, MI to Centennial, CO covers 1276 mi and around 22h 45m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1276 mi Β· 22h 45m by car Β· MI β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dearborn | Centennial | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 100.298 in Dearborn to 105.782 in Centennial, a 5.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Centennial: 5.5% above Dearborn on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dearborn +4.3%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dearborn | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 30.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 15.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN, MI US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dearborn | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,846 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $65,192 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 32.6 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.59 |
Median household income in Centennial is 5.5% above Dearborn ($65,192 vs $128,167, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Dearborn vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $65,192 in Dearborn β a 96.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Dearborn?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Centennial more expensive than Dearborn?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 5.5% higher than Dearborn (105.782 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Dearborn to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1276 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Dearborn?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $245,068 in Dearborn β a 164.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Centennial, CO from Dearborn, MI?
The driving distance is 1276 mi and the route typically takes 22h 45m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. 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 Dearborn.
City profiles: Dearborn, MI Β· Centennial, CO.