($452+) Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI

Moving from Arlington, VA, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $460 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,163 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 525 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,179, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,163 or more.
  • Moving containers run $995 - $3,241, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $460 - $1,163.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,940 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI

There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Ann Arbor: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,940 - $5,036. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 525 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 525-mile route from Arlington to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,179 - $3,955 $995 - $1,732 $460 - $814 $878 - $1,624
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,940 - $5,036 $1,300 - $2,517 $463 - $995 $1,041 - $1,914
4+ bedrooms $3,618 - $8,163 $1,749 - $3,241 $571 - $1,163 $1,344 - $2,490

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI

Full-service movers for the 525-mile relocation from Arlington, Virginia, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,179 and $8,163. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $422 - $2,816, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Arlington typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,179 - $3,955
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,940 - $5,036
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,618 - $8,163

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 Arlington to Ann Arbor.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI

Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$704 - $7,040
Storage in transitNew place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$282 - $1,690/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$422 - $3,379
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$1,408 - $4,224
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,520 - $14,080
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,055 - $2,004
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$1,408 - $3,520
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$1,126 - $4,928
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers$422 - $2,112
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$915 - $2,816
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$422 - $21,120+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$422 - $4,928+

What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Ann Arbor?

All three below meet the standards set by the Michigan Movers Association, the group most Michigan movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Arlington, VA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI

Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $995 and $3,241. 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 Arlington typically costs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $995 - $1,732
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,517
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,749 - $3,241

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Arlington, VA and Ann Arbor, MI. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $986 in Arlington, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $106 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $211 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $995. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,300 - $2,517, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Arlington to Ann Arbor?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:

  • BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
  • Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
  • My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI

Renting a moving truck for the 525-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $460 and $1,163, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $235 - $269
  • Daily insurance: $42/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
  • Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Ann Arbor based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $460 - $814
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $463 - $995
  • 4+ bedrooms: $571 - $1,163

Pro tip: The base rate of $460 - $1,163 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Arlington to Ann Arbor. Fuel ($235 - $269) , lodging at around $211/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $211 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Arlington, Virginia, usually costs about $986 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 525-mile drive falls between $235 and $269, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $70 and $422 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Ann Arbor?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Arlington, Virginia, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,267 and $1,914.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $878 - $1,624
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,041 - $1,914
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,344 - $2,490

Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.

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 $106 - $211 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 Arlington, Virginia, typically costs $986.

What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Ann Arbor?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Arlington to Ann Arbor, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Arlington, VA 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 Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Arlington, VA Ann Arbor, MI
Cost of living index164106
Average rent$2,718/mo$2,260/mo
Median home value$866,334$435,434
Average income$140,160/yr$81,089/yr
Unemployment rate4.0%3.5%
State income taxUp to 5.75%Up to 4.25%
Walkability score71/10052/100
Safety index79.15/10079.18/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Arlington, VA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia 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 104 movers licensed in Virginia, useful context for sizing up this 525-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Arlington, VA, to Ann Arbor, MI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,179 - $8,163 on the 525-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $995 - $3,241, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $460 - $1,163. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,940 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..

FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Ann Arbor, MI

How walkable is Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor has a walkability score of 52 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 71, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

Is Ann Arbor a safe place to live?

Ann Arbor has a safety index of 79.18 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.0, compared to 79.15 and 15.67 in Arlington. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

What is the best time of year to move from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How long does a move from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.