($478+) Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $478 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,273 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 655 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 $1,569, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,273 or more.
- Moving containers run $991 - $3,250, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $478 - $1,337.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,338 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
There are 3 main ways to move from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,338 - $5,719. Moving containers run about 48% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 77% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 655-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 655-mile route from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,569 - $4,355 | $991 - $1,793 | $478 - $904 | $919 - $1,549 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,338 - $5,719 | $1,220 - $2,482 | $542 - $1,052 | $1,028 - $2,106 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,911 - $8,273 | $1,803 - $3,250 | $618 - $1,337 | $1,361 - $2,548 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
Full-service movers for the 655-mile relocation from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,569 and $8,273. 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 $320 - $2,132, 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 Minneapolis typically charge a base rate around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,569 - $4,355
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,338 - $5,719
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,911 - $8,273
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 Minneapolis to Ann Arbor.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $213 - $1,279/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,558 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,066 - $3,198 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,665 - $10,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $798 - $1,517 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $693 - $2,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $15,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,731+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor?
Movers licensed to operate in Michigan are typically members of the Michigan Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Minneapolis, MN. 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 Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $991 and $3,250. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Minneapolis costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $991 - $1,793
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,482
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,803 - $3,250
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN 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 $746 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $80 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $160 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 Minnesota 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 $991. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,220 - $2,482.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Ann Arbor?
- 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
A rental truck for this 655-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $478 and $1,337. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $222 - $254
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Minneapolis to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $478 - $904
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $542 - $1,052
- 4+ bedrooms: $618 - $1,337
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $478 - $1,337 when pricing out a rental truck from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor. Fuel alone runs $222 - $254, and overnight lodging ($160/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $80 and $373.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $160.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $222 and $254 for the 655-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $746 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,028 and $2,106.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,549
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,028 - $2,106
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,361 - $2,548
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $746.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $160 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Ann Arbor fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Ann Arbor, MI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Minneapolis and Ann Arbor to plan around. Cost of living index: 107 vs. 106. Average rent: $1,484/mo vs. $2,260/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 71 vs. 52. Safety index: 43.94 vs. 79.18.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Michigan over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 151 movers in our Minnesota network to compare for this 655-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Ann Arbor, MI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,569 for a studio to $8,273 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 655-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $991 - $3,250. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $478 - $1,337, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,338 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Ann Arbor, MI
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($222 - $254), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $160/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Michigan?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN 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.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.