Moving from Green Bay, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving from Green Bay, WI to Ann Arbor, MI covers 444 mi and about 8h 30m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
444 mi Β· 8h 30m by car Β· MI β IN β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 43, WI 57 |
| Major cities en route | Dearborn, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 8.4% pricier overall in Ann Arbor than Green Bay on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Ann Arbor typical home at $523,391 is 8.4% above Green Bay at $278,024 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 37.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 44.7Β°F vs 48.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Ann Arbor sees 59.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.43 |
Median household income in Ann Arbor is 8.4% above Green Bay ($62,546 vs $81,089, ACS 5-year 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 Wisconsin 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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.
- 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 Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 88.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 444 mi and the route typically takes 8h 30m via I 94 and I 43. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 29.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay 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 444 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 8.4% higher than Green Bay (100.88 vs 93.086, 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Ann Arbor, MI.