Moving from Toledo, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
The 52 mi from Toledo to Ann Arbor translate to about 1h 3m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
52 mi Β· 1h 3m by car Β· OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 23, I 475, I 94 BL |
| Major cities en route | Dearborn |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Toledo | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.455 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.285 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 67.317 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.455 in Toledo to 100.88 in Ann Arbor, a 10.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Ann Arbor: 10.3% above Toledo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Toledo +5.4%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Toledo | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 37.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 59.3 in of snowfall annually at Ann Arbor.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Toledo | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,461 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $47,532 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.43 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.3% between Toledo and Ann Arbor (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 Ohio 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.
- 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 does household income compare in Toledo vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $47,532 in Toledo β a 70.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Toledo 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 52 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 Toledo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 10.3% higher than Toledo (100.88 vs 91.455, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Toledo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $45,740 in the Toledo MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 290,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Toledo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $129,627 in Toledo β a 303.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Toledo, OH?
The driving distance is 52 mi and the route typically takes 1h 3m via US 23 and I 475. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Toledo.
City profiles: Toledo, OH Β· Ann Arbor, MI.