The best local movers for San Jose to Ann Arbor moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in San Jose that also handles long-distance moves to Ann Arbor. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 80 local movers in San Jose who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from San Jose to Ann Arbor.
- Lunardi Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Vector Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Southwest Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191802
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3152229
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191389
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 1922488
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Pros Movers , Pure Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Jose to Ann Arbor?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,283 – $5,404 | $1,291 – $3,143 | $1,274 – $2,439 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,404 – $7,505 | $2,136 – $4,897 | $1,380 – $3,025 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,397 – $12,072 | $3,215 – $6,455 | $1,852 – $3,709 |
Cost to hire movers from San Jose to Ann Arbor
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Jose to Ann Arbor will cost between $1,283 and $5,404. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from San Jose to San Jose will range from $3,404 to $7,505, and a large move from San Jose to Ann Arbor will cost from $6,397 to $12,072.
Cost of moving containers from San Jose to Ann Arbor
If you’re moving from San Jose to Ann Arbor, expect to pay between $1,291 and $3,143 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,136 up to $4,897. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,215 and $6,455. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Jose to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck from San Jose to Ann Arbor is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,274 and $2,439. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,380 and $3,025. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,852 up to $3,709 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Jose to Ann Arbor
The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,923.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Jose, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,274–$3,317) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Jose to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than San Jose – roughly 41% less for singles and 36% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $3,674 in San Jose. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $8,354.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Jose | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,027 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,240 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $1,453,657 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,674 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,354 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.38% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- If you’re heading to Ann Arbor from San Jose, you’ll find that rent is roughly 27% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 67% less in Ann Arbor than in San Jose.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 20% lower in Ann Arbor compared to San Jose.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Ann Arbor. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 41% lower than in San Jose.
- Choosing to move to Ann Arbor can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 36% less than in San Jose.
- Ann Arbor enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 47% lower compared to San Jose, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 36% in Ann Arbor compared to San Jose, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 68% less in Michigan than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Jose and Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | San Jose | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $293.08 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.44 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.93 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.50 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $123.75 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Jose than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Jose than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in San Jose than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in San Jose than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Jose than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Jose than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Jose than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Ann Arbor
| San Jose | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 71 |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 52.27 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 87% less than San Jose.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score is within about 5% of San Jose, making them very similar.
- Ann Arbor and San Jose are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than San Jose, which has a score of 62 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 San Jose with a score of 31.0 compared to San Jose’s 47.73. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than San Jose with a safety index of 79.18 vs San Jose’s 52.27.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in San Jose it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Jose to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Ann Arbor. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Tree Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Michigan, it’s time to get out and discover what Ann Arbor has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Ann Arbor, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Ann Arbor?
The best time to move from San Jose to Ann Arbor is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Jose.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Ann Arbor?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Jose to Ann Arbor, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Jose to Ann Arbor take?
Moving from San Jose, CA to Ann Arbor, covers 2,388 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some San Jose movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Ann Arbor.
Which movers in San Jose give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in San Jose?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 63 movers in San Jose advertise piano moving expertise. 54 movers in San Jose provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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