Moving from Dearborn, MI to Sterling Heights, MI
Moving from Dearborn, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is a 29 mi drive, about 43 min by car. This is a local relocation — same-day moves are typical — but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
29 mi · 43 min by car · MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 94, I 696 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Detroit, Ann Arbor |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dearborn | Sterling Heights | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Sterling Heights and Dearborn is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Sterling Heights is 0.0% above Dearborn — $245,068 vs $306,785 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Dearborn +4.3%, Sterling Heights +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dearborn | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 30.8" | 32.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 35.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Dearborn (49.5°F) and Sterling Heights (48.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Sterling Heights averages 32.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DEARBORN, MI US, MT CLEMENS ANG BASE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dearborn | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,846 | 133,473 |
| Median household income | $65,192 | $78,429 |
| Median age | 32.6 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Sterling Heights is 0.0% above Dearborn ($65,192 vs $78,429, ACS 5-year 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.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Dearborn and Sterling Heights?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.7°F in Sterling Heights vs 49.5°F in Dearborn (0.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 32.2 in vs 30.8 in. Annual precipitation: 35.0 in vs 35.1 in.
How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Dearborn, MI?
The driving distance is 29 mi and the route typically takes 43 min via I 75 and I 94. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Sterling Heights compared to Dearborn?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,785 in Sterling Heights vs $245,068 in Dearborn — a 25.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Dearborn to Sterling Heights?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 29 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Dearborn vs Sterling Heights?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,429 in Sterling Heights vs $65,192 in Dearborn — a 20.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Sterling Heights compare to Dearborn?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Sterling Heights MSA vs $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 1,900,180 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 Dearborn.
City profiles: Dearborn, MI · Sterling Heights, MI.