Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Ann Arbor, MI
A move from Fort Worth, TX to Ann Arbor, MI covers 1208 mi and around 21h 33m 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.
1208 mi Β· 21h 33m 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 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fort Worth (103.09) and Ann Arbor (100.88) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Ann Arbor: 2.1% above Fort Worth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 37.9" |
Major climate step-down: 19.3Β°F cooler annual average in Ann Arbor vs Fort Worth.
Heavy-snow city: expect 59.3 in of snowfall annually at Ann Arbor.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.43 |
Median household income in Ann Arbor is 2.1% above Fort Worth ($76,602 β $81,089, 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 (19.3Β°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 much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 75.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 2.1% lower than Fort Worth (100.88 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 5.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 1208 mi and the route typically takes 21h 33m via I 57 and I 30. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth 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 1208 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Ann Arbor, MI.