Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Ann Arbor to Chicago typically costs $1,800–$4,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 241 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Ann Arbor to Chicago
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago, IL typically costs $1,800–$4,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 241-mile move from Ann Arbor to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,370 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $5,148 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $1,967 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 13, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Ann Arbor to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,100, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,800.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($300–$800) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Best Ann Arbor to Chicago movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Ann Arbor to Chicago
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Ann Arbor to Chicago, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MI→IL movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 84 Michigan moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 68% higher for singles and 73% higher for families than Ann Arbor.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $2,176 in Ann Arbor; families pay $9,266 compared with $5,344.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Ann Arbor | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,831 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,763 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $474,909 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,176 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,344 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.95% |
- If you're heading to Chicago from Ann Arbor, you'll find that rent is roughly 10% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 38% less in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 7% higher in Chicago than in Ann Arbor, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 68% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Chicago, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 73% greater than in Ann Arbor.
- In Chicago, the unemployment rate is approximately 157% higher than in Ann Arbor, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 71% in Chicago over Ann Arbor, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 16% higher in Illinois than in Michigan, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Ann Arbor and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Ann Arbor | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $158.05 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.64 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.70 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $44.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Ann Arbor than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Ann Arbor than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Ann Arbor than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Ann Arbor than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Ann Arbor than in Chicago.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Chicago
| Ann Arbor | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 52 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 72 |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 79.18 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 2117% greater than Ann Arbor.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Ann Arbor's score of 7.
- Chicago is more walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
- Both Chicago and Ann Arbor have similar bike-friendliness scores (71 vs 72), meaning Chicago is about as safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Chicago's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 35.19 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 33.87 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Ann Arbor it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor to Chicago 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've decided to make the move to Chi-Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
Once you're settled into your new home in Illinois, it's time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Chicago?
The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Ann Arbor.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Chicago?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Ann Arbor to Chicago, 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 Ann Arbor to Chicago take?
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago, IL covers 241 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Ann Arbor movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chicago.
Which movers in Ann Arbor give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Ann Arbor?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 20 movers in Ann Arbor advertise piano moving expertise. 7 movers in Ann Arbor provide antique moving services. State totals show 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
