Moving from Round Rock, TX to Ann Arbor, MI
The drive from Round Rock, TX to Ann Arbor, MI runs 1351 mi — about 23h 59m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1351 mi · 23h 59m by car · TX → AR → MO → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → MO → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Round Rock (98.066) and Ann Arbor (100.88) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Ann Arbor: 2.9% above Round Rock on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.43 |
Income steps down 2.9%: $97,187 in Round Rock vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor.
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 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.
- Register to vote in Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 28.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 2.9% higher than Round Rock (100.88 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1351 mi and the route typically takes 23h 59m via I 57 and I 30. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Round Rock to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1351 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 16.6% 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 Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Ann Arbor, MI.