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Dearborn Heights vs Warren

Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.

Michigan, USA
View Dearborn Heights profile
#345 in USA
60
Overall Score
VS
Michigan, USA
View Warren profile
#347 in USA
60
Overall Score
Dearborn Heights scores higher overall

Score Breakdown

Dearborn Heights
Warren
Livability
73
73
Affordability
76
78
Business
67
70
Growth
68
67

Cost of Living

Warren is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about 1% lower than in Dearborn Heights.
MetricDearborn HeightsWarrenDiff
Average Rent
$1,350$1,3500%
Groceries
$390$380+3%
Utilities
$175$1750%
Transport
$125$115+9%
Healthcare
$240$230+4%
Monthly Total
$2,280$2,250+1%
Cost Index
9392out of 100

Salary & Income

Dearborn Heights offers similar average salaries. However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Warren delivers stronger purchasing power — meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day. The minimum comfortable salary in Dearborn Heights is estimated at $52,000 vs $52,000 in Warren.
MetricDearborn HeightsWarren
Average Salary
$64,000$64,000
Salary Needed
$52,000$52,000
Purchasing Power
68,817 idx69,565 idx
Household Income
$65,400$61,500

Climate Comparison

Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.1°F of each other. Winter severity differs too — Warren sees 0.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
MetricDearborn HeightsWarren
Avg Temp
50.50°F50.40°F
Summer High
83.10°F82.20°F
Winter Low
17.70°F17.90°F
Rainfall
33.30 in33.70 in
Snowfall
30.70 in31.50 in
Sunny Days
246244
Humidity
68.00%68.00%

Commute & Transport

Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other. Dearborn Heights scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living. For walkability, Dearborn Heights leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
MetricDearborn HeightsWarren
Commute Time
26 min27 min
Transit Score
45.0/10042.0/100
Walkability
52.0/10045.0/100
Traffic Index
48.0044.00
Car Dependency
HighHigh

Economy & Demographics

Warren is the larger city — approximately 0.4x the population of Dearborn Heights. From a growth perspective, Dearborn Heights is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services. On the employment side, Dearborn Heights has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
MetricDearborn HeightsWarren
Population
60,833137,350
Pop. Growth
0.40%—
Median Age
39.541.2
Unemployment
4.30%4.50%
GDP
——

Pros & Cons

Dearborn Heights
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates remain more affordable compared to neighboring northern and western Detroit suburbs per Zillow data (2024).
Central geographic location in Metro Detroit provides short driving commutes to major employment hubs in Dearborn, Detroit, and Southfield per BLS data (2024).
Extensive access to green spaces and recreation, including direct proximity to Hines Park along the Rouge River.
Strong community safety profile with violent crime rates significantly lower than nearby urban centers per FBI crime data (2024).
Diverse culinary scene and rich cultural amenities reflecting the broader Metro Detroit multicultural population.
Drawbacks
Wayne County property tax rates can represent a higher ongoing annual expense for homeowners relative to neighboring counties.
High level of automobile dependency with limited public transit options for non-drivers per SMART transit data (2024).
Aging mid-century housing stock may require frequent maintenance or energy-efficiency updates for modern buyers.
Heavy traffic congestion during peak commuting hours along major commercial arteries like Ford Road and Telegraph Road.
Limited large-scale entertainment and nightlife options within the immediate city limits, requiring travel to Detroit or Dearborn.
Warren
Advantages
Median home prices and rent are significantly more affordable than the national average.
Major employment hub anchored by General Motors and the U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal.
Extensive recreational facilities, notably the state-of-the-art Warren Community Center.
Convenient central location in Metro Detroit with rapid access to major regional highways.
Diverse community with established neighborhoods and active local civic programs.
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited high-capacity rapid transit options.
Older housing stock may require frequent maintenance and energy-efficiency upgrades.
Industrial density can lead to localized heavy truck traffic during peak hours.
Winters are cold and snowy, driving up seasonal heating and snow-removal costs.
Property tax rates in Macomb County can be relatively high for certain homeowners.

Dive Deeper

Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.

Dearborn Heights
#345
Michigan, USA
60.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
93
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
50.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
73
Business
67
View Full Profile
Warren
#347
Michigan, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
244/yr
Avg Temp
50.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
73
Business
70
View Full Profile

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