($350+) Milwaukee, WI to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $347 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,611 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 340 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,159, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,611 or more.
- Moving containers run $960 - $2,774, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $347 - $852.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,853 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Milwaukee, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving options from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,853 - $5,254 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 340 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 340-mile route from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,159 for a studio up to $6,611 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $960 - $2,774 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $347 - $852, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $815 - $2,287, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Milwaukee, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Hiring full-service movers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $1,159 and $6,611. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 340-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $286 - $1,904, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Milwaukee and Ann Arbor. For a rough baseline, movers based in Milwaukee tend to start around $349 plus $105/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,159 - $3,882
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,853 - $5,254
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,845 - $6,611
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Milwaukee, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Milwaukee movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $476 - $4,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $190 - $1,142/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,285 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $952 - $2,856 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,380 - $9,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $713 - $1,355 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $952 - $2,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage Co | $762 - $3,332 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $286 - $1,428 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $619 - $1,904 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,332+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor?
Michigan Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Michigan, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Milwaukee, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor with a local mover averages $1,890 - $5,359. Working with a local mover based in Milwaukee, WI often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Moving container costs from Milwaukee, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $960 and $2,774. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Milwaukee typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $960 - $1,635
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,134 - $2,205
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,500 - $2,774
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $143 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $666 in Milwaukee, WI, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Ann Arbor, MI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Michigan move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $960. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,134 - $2,205, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Milwaukee to Ann Arbor?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Milwaukee to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Milwaukee:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co (4.1/5), 96 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 33 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Plan on $347 - $852 for a rental moving truck on the 340-mile route from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $103 - $118
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Milwaukee daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $347 - $657
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $365 - $719
- 4+ bedrooms: $471 - $852
Pro tip: A rental truck from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $347 - $852. But once you factor in fuel ($103 - $118) , overnight lodging ($143/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $103 - $118 for the 340-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours typically costs around $666.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 340-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $143 per night, adding $286 - $428 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $286.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Milwaukee, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
If you're moving a larger household from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $945 and $1,729.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $815 - $1,443
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $945 - $1,729
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,200 - $2,287
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $71 - $143 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, typically costs $666.
What are the best freight companies from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Star Line Trucking Or Star Line (4.46/5 stars): Star Line Trucking Or Star Line is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Ann Arbor fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Milwaukee, WI vs Ann Arbor, MI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ann Arbor, side by side with Milwaukee on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Milwaukee, WI | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 88 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,260/mo |
| Median home value | $171,025 | $435,434 |
| Average income | $51,888/yr | $81,089/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 52/100 |
| Safety index | 33.24/100 | 79.18/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Milwaukee, WI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Michigan, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 40 movers licensed in Wisconsin, useful context for sizing up this 340-mile move.
Our take
The 340-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI, costs between $1,159 and $6,611 with full-service movers, $960 - $2,774 with a moving container, and $347 - $852 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,853 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI
How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee, WI to Ann Arbor, MI?
Costs on this route range from around $1,159 to $6,611, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,159 and $6,611, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Milwaukee?
Local movers based in Milwaukee typically start around $349 as a base rate, plus $105/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Ann Arbor run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
What are the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor?
For families, Burns Park, Eberwhite, and Water Hill are worth a look in Ann Arbor. If you're moving solo or without kids, Kerrytown, Lower Burns Park, and Old West Side tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Milwaukee movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Milwaukee handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
