Moving from Detroit, MI to Lakewood, CO
Relocating 1272 mi from Detroit to Lakewood is a 22h 42m drive through 6 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.
1272 mi Β· 22h 42m 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 | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Detroit | Lakewood | 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 |
Expect roughly 5.5% 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 roughly 5.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $75,358 to $573,913 moving to Lakewood.
YoY change: Detroit -3.0%, Lakewood -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Detroit | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 58.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.9" | 17.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Detroit (50.3Β°F) and Lakewood (50.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Lakewood averages 58.0 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: DEARBORN #2, MI US, LAKEWOOD, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Detroit | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,644 | 156,309 |
| Median household income | $39,575 | $85,789 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.5% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.26 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.5% β $39,575 β $85,789 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lakewood 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Lakewood averages 58.0 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Lakewood compared to Detroit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $573,913 in Lakewood vs $75,358 in Detroit β a 661.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Lakewood compare to Detroit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Lakewood MSA vs $48,950 in the Detroit 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.
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Lakewood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1272 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 Detroit vs Lakewood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,789 in Lakewood vs $39,575 in Detroit β a 116.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lakewood, CO from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance is 1272 mi and the route typically takes 22h 42m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lakewood more expensive than Detroit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lakewood is 5.5% higher than Detroit (105.782 vs 100.298, 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 Detroit.
City profiles: Detroit, MI Β· Lakewood, CO.