Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MI→VA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 84 Michigan movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Arlington

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Arlington runs about 216% higher for singles and 124% higher for families than Ann Arbor.

Singles spend around $6,867 in Arlington versus $2,176 in Ann Arbor; families pay $11,970 compared with $5,344.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Ann Arbor	Arlington
Average 1 BR rent	$1,831	$2,475
Average 3 BR rent	$3,763	$4,350
Average home value	$474,909	$810,670
Average income (per capita)	$66,964	$128,145
Cost of living (single)	$2,176	$6,867
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,344	$11,970
Unemployment rate	3.5%	4.0%
Sales tax	6.0%	6.0%
State income tax	4.25%	5.75%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 20% higher in Arlington than in Ann Arbor, which may impact your monthly finances.
A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 71% higher in Arlington than in Ann Arbor.
Exciting news here, the average income is about 91% higher in Arlington than in Ann Arbor, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
Anticipate increased living expenses in Arlington, as the cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 216% greater than in Ann Arbor. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
As you plan your move to Arlington, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 124% more than it is in Ann Arbor.
The unemployment rate in Arlington exceeds that of Ann Arbor by about 14%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
Sales taxes are effectively the same in Arlington and Ann Arbor (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
Income taxes are 35% higher in Virginia than in Michigan. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Ann Arbor and Arlington, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	Ann Arbor	Arlington
Basic utilities	$158.05	$208.70
Cell phone plan	$48.64	$59.67
Dozen eggs	$2.70	$4.26
Loaf of bread	$3.60	$4.18
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$15.00	$24.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$75.00	$90.00
Gym membership	$44.00	$77.25

Basic utilities cost less in Ann Arbor than in Arlington, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Arlington.
Eggs are less expensive in Ann Arbor than in Arlington.
Bread costs less in Ann Arbor than in Arlington.
A quick meal is cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Arlington.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Ann Arbor than in Arlington.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Ann Arbor than in Arlington.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Arlington

	Ann Arbor	Arlington
Population	123,851	238,643
Transportation score	7	9
Walkability score	52	71
Bike friendliness score	71	72
Crime index	31.0	15.67
Safety index	79.18	79.15
Air quality	Moderate	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Arlington's population is about 93% greater than Ann Arbor.
Arlington's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Ann Arbor's score of 7.
Arlington is more walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
Both Arlington and Ann Arbor have similar bike-friendliness scores (71 vs 72), meaning Arlington is about as safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
Arlington's crime rate is lower than Ann Arbor with a score of 15.67 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
Arlington and Ann Arbor have a similar safety level, with scores of 79.15 and 79.18.
Air quality in Arlington is Good, and in Ann Arbor it's Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor to Arlington 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Virginia, 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 Arlington 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 Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Arlington

Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Arlington.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Aurora Highlands
Ballston-Virginia Square
Bluemont
Clarendon-Courthouse
Radnor-Ft Myer Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

Arlington Ridge
Barcroft
Chain Bridge Forest
Cherrydale
Dominion Hills
Forest Glen
Lyon Village
Penrose
Westover Village

Things to do in Arlington

Now that you've made the move to Virginia, it's the perfect time to explore Arlington. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Arlington include museums and art centers like the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, and Arlington Historical Museum.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional 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 Arlington Youth Football Club game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Arlington?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Ann Arbor to Arlington. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Ann Arbor.

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Arlington?

With many people choosing to move from Ann Arbor to Arlington 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 Ann Arbor to Arlington take?

Covering 523 miles, the move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA typically takes one to six days. Some Ann Arbor movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Arlington can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in Ann Arbor offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 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 Ann Arbor can handle specialty items for my move to Arlington?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Ann Arbor, 20 movers can handle pianos. 7 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.