Top local movers for San Diego to Ann Arbor moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in San Diego that also provides long-distance services to Ann Arbor can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 29 local movers in San Diego who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from San Diego to Ann Arbor.
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dominant Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy’s Family Moving , Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery , The Remarkable Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 191165
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2718191
Alternate Names: Velorom LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Ann Arbor?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,216 – $5,247 | $1,267 – $3,174 | $1,291 – $2,370 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,387 – $7,455 | $2,141 – $4,799 | $1,412 – $2,910 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,694 – $11,527 | $3,032 – $6,506 | $1,835 – $3,568 |
Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Ann Arbor
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Diego to Ann Arbor typically costs between $1,216 and $5,247. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,387 and $7,455 when moving from San Diego to Ann Arbor. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from San Diego to Ann Arbor, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,694 up to $11,527.
Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Ann Arbor
If you’re relocating from San Diego to Ann Arbor, you’ll typically spend between $1,267 and $3,174 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,141 up to $4,799. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,032 and $6,506. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a San Diego to Ann Arbor move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,291 and $2,370. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,412 to $2,910. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,835 and $3,568.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from San Diego to Ann Arbor
The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from San Diego to Ann Arbor might be as low as $2,613, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,187.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in San Diego.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,291 to $3,421 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from San Diego to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than San Diego – roughly 35% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $3,346 in San Diego. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $7,719.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Diego | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- Good news! When moving to Ann Arbor from San Diego, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 22% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 53% cheaper in Ann Arbor, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 8% lower in Ann Arbor than in San Diego.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Ann Arbor. The cost of living for a single person is 35% less compared to San Diego.
- Relocating to Ann Arbor could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 31% lower than in San Diego.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 47% lower than San Diego, Ann Arbor boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 23% lower in Ann Arbor than San Diego, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 68% lower in Michigan than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between San Diego and Ann Arbor, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | San Diego | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Ann Arbor
| San Diego | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 71 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 91% less than San Diego.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than San Diego’s score of 6.
- Ann Arbor and San Diego are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 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 Diego with a score of 31.0 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than San Diego with a safety index of 79.18 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego to Ann Arbor 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, 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 Ann Arbor 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 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Ready to relocate to Tree Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Ann Arbor. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Ann Arbor include museums and art centers like 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: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr 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 Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Ann Arbor?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Diego to Ann Arbor. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Ann Arbor?
With many people choosing to move from San Diego to Ann Arbor 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 San Diego to Ann Arbor take?
Covering 2,306 miles, the move from San Diego, CA to Ann Arbor, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some San Diego movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Ann Arbor can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Diego offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in San Diego offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military 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 San Diego can handle specialty items for my move to Ann Arbor?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In San Diego, 21 movers can handle pianos. 16 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
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