Top-rated movers to make your Ontario to Ann Arbor move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Ontario that offers long-distance services to Ann Arbor can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 86 top local movers in Ontario who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Ontario to Ann Arbor.
- Big Deahl’s Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Golden Eagle Moving, LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191969
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3295324
Alternate Names: People Trusted Company Group
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191570
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Golden Eagle Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0137029
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit , VIP Transport East, Inc , VIP Transport – United Van Lines , VIP Transport – Mayflower Transit , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Ontario to Ann Arbor?
In California, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,250 – $5,008 | $1,209 – $2,939 | $1,254 – $2,351 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,500 – $7,251 | $2,044 – $4,401 | $1,303 – $2,798 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,374 – $11,585 | $2,982 – $6,077 | $1,748 – $3,359 |
Cost to hire movers from Ontario to Ann Arbor
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Ann Arbor from Ontario, you can expect prices to land between $1,250 and $5,008. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,500 to $7,251 for the trip from Ontario to Ann Arbor. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,374 and $11,585.
Cost of moving containers from Ontario to Ann Arbor
Moving containers from Ontario to Ann Arbor will cost you $1,209 to $2,939 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,044 to $4,401. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,982 to $6,077. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ontario to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck from Ontario to Ann Arbor typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,254 and $2,351 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,303 to $2,798. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,748 to $3,359.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Ontario to Ann Arbor move
The cost of Ontario movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,458 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,745 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Ontario.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,254 to $3,003, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Ontario to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Ontario – roughly 12% less for singles and 8% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $2,473 in Ontario. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $5,793.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Ontario | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $668,089 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,908 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,473 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,793 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- When relocating from Ontario to Ann Arbor, expect to find rent about 14% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 29% more affordable in Ann Arbor compared to Ontario.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 7% lower in Ann Arbor compared to Ontario.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Ann Arbor, as the cost of living for a single person is 12% lower compared to Ontario.
- A move to Ann Arbor can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 8% less than what it costs in Ontario.
- The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is about 49% lower than in Ontario. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 31% less in Ann Arbor relative to Ontario. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Michigan are 68% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Ontario and Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | Ontario | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $226.85 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.00 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $100.00 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Ontario than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Ontario than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Ontario than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in Ontario than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Ontario than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Ontario than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships cost more in Ontario than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Ontario vs. Ann Arbor
| Ontario | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 175,265 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 71 |
| Crime index | 50.25 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 49.75 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 29% less than Ontario.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Ontario’s score of 5.
- Ann Arbor is more walkable than Ontario with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Ontario’s 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Ontario, which has a score of 46 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 Ontario with a score of 31.0 compared to Ontario’s 50.25. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ontario neighborhoods are safer than 50.25%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Ontario with a safety index of 79.18 vs Ontario’s 49.75.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Ontario it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Ontario to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Ann Arbor. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Planning your move to Tree Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Ann Arbor has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Ann Arbor features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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: The city’s Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ontario to Ann Arbor?
Planning your move from Ontario to Ann Arbor? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Ontario.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ontario to Ann Arbor?
Because most people are moving from Ontario to Ann Arbor in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Ontario to Ann Arbor take?
The 2,205-mile journey from Ontario, CA to Ann Arbor, , typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Ontario offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Ann Arbor.
Are there special savings available from movers in Ontario?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Ontario?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Ontario, 67 movers can manage piano relocations. 53 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Ontario moving services
Popular California routes
- California to Michigan car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!