($221+) Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Dayton, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $221 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,404 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 200 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 $812, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,404 or more.
- Moving containers run $801 - $2,406, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $221 - $575.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dayton, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,429 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving options from Dayton to Ann Arbor 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 $1,429 - $3,915 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 27% 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 200 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 200-mile route from Dayton to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $812 - $3,518, container $801 - $1,284, rental truck $221 - $402, freight trailer $665 - $1,192.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,429 - $3,915, container $1,041 - $1,943, rental truck $235 - $474, freight trailer $801 - $1,407.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,884 - $5,404, container $1,234 - $2,406, rental truck $302 - $575, freight trailer $1,029 - $1,869.
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 Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Full-service movers for the 200-mile relocation from Dayton, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $812 and $5,404. 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 $271 - $1,808, 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 Dayton typically charge a base rate around $330 plus $140 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dayton to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $812 - $3,518
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,429 - $3,915
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,884 - $5,404
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 Dayton to Ann Arbor.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Dayton 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 packing71% of local movers | $452 - $4,520 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage, Inc. | $181 - $1,085/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $271 - $2,170 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $904 - $2,712 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,260 - $9,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $677 - $1,286 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items15% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: You Move Me | $904 - $2,260 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc | $723 - $3,164 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $271 - $1,356 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $588 - $1,808 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $271 - $13,560+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $271 - $3,164+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dayton to Ann Arbor?
Look for Michigan Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Michigan beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Dayton, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Dayton to Ann Arbor with a local mover averages $1,358 - $3,720. Working with a local mover based in Dayton, OH often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. (4.64/5 stars) is a local mover in Dayton, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,018 customers, 92.9% of which is positive.
Address: 10836 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH, 45242 | Founded: 1994
Moving container costs from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Dayton, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $801 and $2,406. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Dayton runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dayton to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $801 - $1,284
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,041 - $1,943
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,234 - $2,406
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Dayton, OH 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 $633 in Dayton, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $68 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $136 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 Ohio 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 $801. 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 $1,041 - $1,943.
What are the best moving containers Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 25 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- You Move Me (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 200 miles from Dayton, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, running $221 - $575. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $58 - $66
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Dayton daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- 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 Dayton to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $221 - $402
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $235 - $474
- 4+ bedrooms: $302 - $575
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $221 - $575 does not include fuel ($58 - $66), lodging ($136/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Dayton to Ann Arbor typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $136 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Dayton, Ohio, usually costs about $633 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 200-mile drive falls between $58 and $66, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $45 and $271 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dayton 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 Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
If you're moving a larger household from Dayton, Ohio, 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 Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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 $801 and $1,407.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dayton to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $665 - $1,192
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $801 - $1,407
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,029 - $1,869
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $68 - $136 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Dayton, Ohio, for about five hours typically runs $633.
What are the best freight companies from Dayton to Ann Arbor?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Dayton, OH vs Ann Arbor, MI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ann Arbor, side by side with Dayton on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Dayton, OH | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 80 | 106 |
| Average rent | $925/mo | $2,260/mo |
| Median home value | $94,536 | $435,434 |
| Average income | $43,454/yr | $81,089/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 52/100 |
| Safety index | 40.68/100 | 79.18/100 |
| 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Michigan in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 282 movers based in Ohio, handy for sizing up options on this 200-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Dayton, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $812 for a studio to $5,404 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 200-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $801 - $2,406. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $221 - $575, 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 $1,429 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 Dayton, OH, 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 ($58 - $66), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $136/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI 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 is the best time of year to move from Dayton, OH 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI?
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.
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 40.68 and 4.0 in Dayton. 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 Dayton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Dayton handle piano moves, and 15% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.