Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Top local movers for Austin to Ann Arbor moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Austin that also provides long-distance services to Ann Arbor can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 33 local movers in Austin who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Austin to Ann Arbor.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Ann Arbor?
Movers in Texas generally charge an average of $131 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,206 – $4,618 | $900 – $2,253 | $842 – $1,547 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,936 – $6,576 | $1,659 – $3,417 | $865 – $1,821 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,005 – $8,910 | $2,321 – $4,454 | $1,157 – $2,177 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Ann Arbor
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Austin to Ann Arbor typically costs between $1,206 and $4,618. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,936 and $6,576 when moving from Austin to Ann Arbor. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Austin to Ann Arbor, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,005 up to $8,910.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Ann Arbor
If you’re relocating from Austin to Ann Arbor, you’ll typically spend between $900 and $2,253 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,659 up to $3,417. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,321 and $4,454. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Austin to Ann Arbor move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $842 and $1,547. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $865 to $1,821. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,157 and $2,177.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Austin to Ann Arbor
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Austin to Ann Arbor might be as low as $2,392, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,798.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Austin.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $842 to $2,136 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Austin to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Austin – roughly 35% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $3,345 in Austin. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $7,815.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Austin | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.25% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 28% higher in Ann Arbor than in Austin, which may impact your monthly finances.
- With home prices being nearly 7% cheaper in Ann Arbor, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Ann Arbor and Austin, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Ann Arbor. The cost of living for a single person is 35% less compared to Austin.
- Relocating to Ann Arbor could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 32% lower than in Austin.
- There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Ann Arbor and Austin, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes are 27% lower in Ann Arbor than Austin, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Michigan has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Austin and Ann Arbor, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Austin | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Austin than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Austin than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Austin than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Austin than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships cost more in Austin than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Austin vs. Ann Arbor
| Austin | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 71 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 87% less than Austin.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Austin’s score of 5.
- Ann Arbor is more walkable than Austin with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Ann Arbor’s crime rate is lower than Austin with a score of 31.0 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Austin with a safety index of 79.18 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Ann Arbor without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Ready to relocate to Tree Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Ann Arbor.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Kerrytown
- Lower Burns Park
- Old West Side
- Northside/Lower Town
- Allen Creek/Old West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Burns Park
- Eberwhite
- Water Hill
- Ann Arbor Hills
- Dicken
Things to do in Ann Arbor
Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Ann Arbor. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Ann Arbor include museums and art centers like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Ann Arbor?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Austin to Ann Arbor. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Ann Arbor?
With many people choosing to move from Austin to Ann Arbor in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Austin to Ann Arbor take?
Covering 1,362 miles, the move from Austin, TX to Ann Arbor, typically takes three to eight days. Some Austin movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Ann Arbor can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Austin offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Austin can handle specialty items for my move to Ann Arbor?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Austin, 19 movers can handle pianos. 14 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Austin moving services
Popular Texas routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
