($1,222+) Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $1,163 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,049 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,954 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,609, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,049 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,681 - $5,907, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,163 - $3,467.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,657 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
There are 3 main ways to move from Tempe to Ann Arbor: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,657 - $7,675. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,954-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,954-mile route from Tempe to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,609 - $5,539 | $1,681 - $3,283 | $1,163 - $2,333 | $1,499 - $2,786 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,657 - $7,675 | $2,026 - $4,206 | $1,349 - $2,831 | $1,688 - $3,505 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,556 - $11,049 | $2,948 - $5,907 | $1,604 - $3,467 | $2,265 - $4,536 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,954-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, with costs ranging from $2,609 - $11,049. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $331 - $2,204. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tempe and Ann Arbor. Local movers in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,609 - $5,539
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,657 - $7,675
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,556 - $11,049
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 Tempe to Ann Arbor.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $551 - $5,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $220 - $1,322/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $331 - $2,645 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,102 - $3,306 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,755 - $11,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $825 - $1,568 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,102 - $2,755 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $882 - $3,857 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $331 - $1,653 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $716 - $2,204 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $331 - $16,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $331 - $3,857+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to Ann Arbor?
Movers licensed to operate in Michigan are typically members of the Michigan Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Tempe, AZ, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,681 and $5,907. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tempe costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,681 - $3,283
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,026 - $4,206
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,948 - $5,907
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $83 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $165 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Ann Arbor, MI, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $771 in Tempe, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $1,681. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,026 - $4,206, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
A rental truck for this 1,954-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $1,163 and $3,467. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $685 - $783
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Tempe daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Tempe to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,333
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,349 - $2,831
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,604 - $3,467
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,163 - $3,467 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to Ann Arbor. Fuel ($685 - $783) , lodging at around $165/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tempe, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $771.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $685 - $783 for the 1,954-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $66 and $358, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $165 per night for hotel stops on the 1,954-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $331 - $496.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tempe, Arizona, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $992 and $3,505.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,499 - $2,786
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,688 - $3,505
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,265 - $4,536
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tempe, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $771.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $83 - $165 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tempe to Ann Arbor. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Ann Arbor, MI
Tempe and Ann Arbor land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 113 in Tempe and 106 in Ann Arbor, and rent tracks closely too ($1,834/mo vs. $2,260/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (54 vs 52) and safety scores (57.64 vs 79.18) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Michigan, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 97 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 1,954-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tempe, AZ, to Ann Arbor, MI, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,609 - $11,049 on the 1,954-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,681 - $5,907 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,163 - $3,467 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,657 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Ann Arbor, MI
What are the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor?
For families, Burns Park, Eberwhite, and Water Hill are worth a look in Ann Arbor. If you're moving solo or without kids, Kerrytown, Lower Burns Park, and Old West Side tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Tempe?
Local movers based in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $85/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 Ann Arbor run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tempe, AZ 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.
How much does it cost to move from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI?
Costs on this route range from around $2,609 to $11,049, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,609 and $11,049, 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 percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.