($213+) Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Dayton, OH, runs anywhere from $213 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,221 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 197 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $820, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,221 or more.
- Moving containers run $758 - $2,200, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $213 - $533.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Dayton, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,437 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH
Moving options from Ann Arbor to Dayton fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,437 - $4,032 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 84% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 197 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 197-mile route from Ann Arbor to Dayton, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $820 - $3,152, container $758 - $1,343, rental truck $213 - $380, freight trailer $663 - $1,221.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,437 - $4,032, container $987 - $1,766, rental truck $234 - $432, freight trailer $743 - $1,514.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,882 - $5,221, container $1,228 - $2,200, rental truck $283 - $533, freight trailer $1,053 - $1,887.
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 197-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Dayton, Ohio, with prices running from $820 - $5,221. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $287 - $1,912 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Ann Arbor and Dayton are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Ann Arbor movers tend to run around $304 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ann Arbor to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $820 - $3,152
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,437 - $4,032
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,882 - $5,221
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 Dayton.
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Ann Arbor movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Dayton, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $478 - $4,780 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $191 - $1,147/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $287 - $2,294 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage3% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $956 - $2,868 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,390 - $9,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $716 - $1,360 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $956 - $2,390 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $765 - $3,346 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $287 - $1,434 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Extra Mile Moving | $621 - $1,912 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $287 - $14,340+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $287 - $3,346+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ann Arbor to Dayton?
Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Ann Arbor, MI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Ann Arbor to Dayton with a local mover averages $1,451 - $4,072. A local mover in Ann Arbor, MI is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.3/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Ann Arbor, based on our analysis of feedback from 49 customers, 93.9% of which is positive.
Address: 13520 Merriman Rd, Livonia, MI, 48150 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Dayton, Ohio, cost between $758 and $2,200. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Dayton. If you go over that window, storage in Ann Arbor adds around $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $758 - $1,343
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $987 - $1,766
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,228 - $2,200
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Ann Arbor, MI and Dayton, OH. 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 $669 in Ann Arbor, MI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $72 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $143 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 Michigan to Ohio 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 $758. 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 $987 - $1,766.
What are the best moving containers Ann Arbor to Dayton?
- 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:
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.2/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 197 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Dayton, Ohio, running $213 - $533. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $60 - $68
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Dayton based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $213 - $380
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $234 - $432
- 4+ bedrooms: $283 - $533
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $213 - $533 when pricing out a rental truck from Ann Arbor to Dayton. Fuel alone runs $60 - $68, and overnight lodging ($143/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
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 $72 and $335.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $143.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $60 and $68 for the 197-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 $669 for 2 movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor to Dayton?
- 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 Dayton, OH
If you're moving a larger household from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Dayton, Ohio.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $743 and $1,514.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $663 - $1,221
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $743 - $1,514
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,053 - $1,887
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $72 and $143.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for roughly five hours typically average $669.
What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor to Dayton?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Dayton 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: Ann Arbor, MI vs Dayton, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Dayton, side by side with Ann Arbor on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Ann Arbor, MI | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 80 |
| Average rent | $2,260/mo | $925/mo |
| Median home value | $435,434 | $94,536 |
| Average income | $81,089/yr | $43,454/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 52/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 79.18/100 | 40.68/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Ohio, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Michigan alone has 173 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 197-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 197-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Dayton, OH, costs between $820 and $5,221 with full-service movers, $758 - $2,200 with a moving container, and $213 - $533 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,437 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Morgan Linen & Uniform Services and Premier Physicians.
FAQs: Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Dayton, OH
How walkable is Dayton?
Dayton has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 52 and 71 in Ann Arbor. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $213 to $5,221, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $820 and $5,221, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Ann Arbor?
Local movers based in Ann Arbor typically start around $304 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Dayton run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.