($412+) Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $438 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,581 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 523 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 $1,282, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,581 or more.
- Moving containers run $984 - $3,288, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $438 - $1,127.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,340 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Ann Arbor to Arlington: 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 $2,340 - $5,808. 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 523 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 523-mile route from Ann Arbor to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,282 - $4,101 | $984 - $1,728 | $438 - $821 | $921 - $1,635 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,340 - $5,808 | $1,222 - $2,361 | $486 - $1,003 | $1,069 - $1,909 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,851 - $8,581 | $1,762 - $3,288 | $612 - $1,127 | $1,424 - $2,529 |
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $1,282 and $8,581. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 523-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $388 - $2,584, 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 Ann Arbor and Arlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in Ann Arbor tend to start around $304 plus $100/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 Ann Arbor to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,282 - $4,101
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,340 - $5,808
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,851 - $8,581
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 Ann Arbor to Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Michigan to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Ann Arbor movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $646 - $6,460 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $258 - $1,550/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $388 - $3,101 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,292 - $3,876 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,230 - $12,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $968 - $1,839 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items21% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Bos Moving & Services, Inc. | $1,292 - $3,230 |
| Piano | Any piano type61% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,034 - $4,522 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $388 - $1,938 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Extra Mile Moving | $840 - $2,584 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $388 - $19,380+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $388 - $4,522+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ann Arbor to Arlington?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI. 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $984 and $3,288. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Ann Arbor typically runs around $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $984 - $1,728
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,222 - $2,361
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,762 - $3,288
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $97 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $194 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Arlington, VA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $904 in Ann Arbor, MI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Michigan to Virginia 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 $984. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,222 - $2,361, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Ann Arbor to Arlington?
- 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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor:
- Handle With Care Moving (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- Men on the Move (4.7/5), 31 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 523-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $438 and $1,127, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $215 - $246
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Ann Arbor daily rental rate: $19 - $29
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Ann Arbor to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $438 - $821
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $486 - $1,003
- 4+ bedrooms: $612 - $1,127
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Ann Arbor to Arlington starts at $438 - $1,127, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($215 - $246) , overnight lodging ($194/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $904.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $215 - $246 for the 523-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $78 and $420, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $194 per night for hotel stops on the 523-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $388 - $581.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor to Arlington?
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arlington, Virginia. 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 $1,163 and $1,909.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $921 - $1,635
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,069 - $1,909
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,424 - $2,529
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 $97 - $194 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 Ann Arbor, Michigan, typically costs $904.
What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Ann Arbor to Arlington, 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: Ann Arbor, MI vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Ann Arbor on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Ann Arbor, MI | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 164 |
| Average rent | $2,260/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $435,434 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $81,089/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 52/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 79.18/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Michigan to Virginia, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 84 movers in Michigan, so you have real options to compare for this 523-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 523-mile route from Ann Arbor, MI, to Arlington, VA, run $1,282 - $8,581 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $984 - $3,288, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $438 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,340, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Arlington, VA
How long does a move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA 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 are the best neighborhoods in Arlington?
For families, Arlington Ridge, Barcroft, and Chain Bridge Forest are worth a look in Arlington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, and Bluemont tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $486 - $1,003. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, compared to 79.18 and 31.0 in Ann Arbor. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 61% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.