($1,063+) Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $1,063 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,636 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,272, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,636 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,586 - $5,794, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,063 - $3,050.
- 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 $3,317 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 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,317 - $6,950. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 63% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,954 miles, expect 5 to 16 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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 | $2,272 - $5,172 | $1,586 - $3,096 | $1,063 - $2,136 | $1,343 - $2,654 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,317 - $6,950 | $1,911 - $3,967 | $1,236 - $2,644 | $1,528 - $3,141 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,431 - $10,636 | $2,753 - $5,794 | $1,574 - $3,050 | $2,225 - $4,590 |
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 Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
For the 1,954-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, full-service movers cost between $2,272 and $10,636. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $331 - $2,204 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Tempe generally start around $200 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,272 - $5,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,317 - $6,950
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,431 - $10,636
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.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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 Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe 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 packing79% of local movers | $551 - $5,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% 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 coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% 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 items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,102 - $2,755 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $882 - $3,857 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $331 - $1,653 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Michigan Movers Association, the group most Michigan movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Tempe, AZ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,586 and $5,794. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Tempe typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,586 - $3,096
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,911 - $3,967
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,753 - $5,794
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $771 in Tempe, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $83 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $165 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Ann Arbor, MI, destination before booking.
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 $1,586. 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 $1,911 - $3,967.
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:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI
Plan on $1,063 - $3,050 for a rental moving truck on the 1,954-mile route from Tempe, Arizona, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $1,063 - $2,136
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,236 - $2,644
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,574 - $3,050
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,063 - $3,050 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 roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $165 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $72 and $358 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $685 - $783 in fuel for the 1,954-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $771 in Tempe, Arizona, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
For larger DIY moves from Tempe, Arizona, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,528 and $3,141.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,343 - $2,654
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,528 - $3,141
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,225 - $4,590
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $83 - $165 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tempe, Arizona, typically costs $771.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Tempe to Ann Arbor, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Ann Arbor, MI
Day-to-day costs in Ann Arbor are close to what you're used to in Tempe: cost of living index of 106 versus 113, with average rent of $2,260/mo compared to $1,834/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 54/100 and 57.64/100 in Tempe versus 52/100 and 79.18/100 in Ann Arbor.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Michigan, 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. Arizona alone has 242 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,954-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,954-mile move from Tempe, AZ, to Ann Arbor, MI, costs between $2,272 and $10,636 with full-service movers, $1,586 - $5,794 with a moving container, and $1,063 - $3,050 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 $3,317 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 University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Ann Arbor, MI
What is the cheapest way to move from Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,236 - $2,644. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 57.64 and 42.36 in Tempe. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Tempe, AZ 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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Michigan?
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.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.