Moving from Green Bay, WI to Detroit, MI
It is a 480 mi drive, roughly 9h 9m, between Green Bay, WI and Detroit, MI. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
480 mi Β· 9h 9m 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 | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Detroit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 7.7% 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 7.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $278,024 to $75,358 moving to Detroit.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Detroit -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 34.9" |
Annual temperature rises 5.6Β°F moving to Detroit per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, DEARBORN #2, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 636,644 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $39,575 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 10.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.51 |
Detroit households earn about 7.7% less than Green Bay at the median β $62,546 β $39,575 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Detroit 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.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Detroit more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Detroit is 7.7% higher than Green Bay (100.298 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Detroit, MI from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 480 mi and the route typically takes 9h 9m via I 94 and I 43. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Detroit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 480 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Detroit compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Detroit MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Detroit compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $75,358 in Detroit vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 72.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Detroit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,575 in Detroit vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 36.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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· Detroit, MI.