Modesto, CA to Ann Arbor, MI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Ann Arbor typically costs $4,000–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,341 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Ann Arbor
Moving from Modesto, CA to Ann Arbor, MI typically costs $4,000–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,341-mile move from Modesto to Ann Arbor, 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 $4,025 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,447 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,930 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 03, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Modesto to Ann Arbor
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Modesto to Ann Arbor may only cost $2,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Modesto.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,400–$4,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Ann Arbor movers by type
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Ann Arbor
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Modesto to Ann Arbor. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 CA→MI movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 6% less for singles and 10% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $5,344 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- Rent is about 26% more expensive in Ann Arbor than in Modesto. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 7% steeper in Ann Arbor compared to Modesto.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Ann Arbor and Modesto are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Ann Arbor. The cost of living for a single person there is 6% below that of Modesto.
- A move to Ann Arbor can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 10% lower compared to Modesto.
- Ann Arbor has a lower unemployment rate than Modesto by about 56%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 32% cheaper in Ann Arbor compared to Modesto. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 68% less in Michigan compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Modesto versus Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in Ann Arbor.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Ann Arbor
| Modesto | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 71 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor's population is about 43% less than Modesto.
- Ann Arbor's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- Ann Arbor is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Ann Arbor's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 31.0 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 79.18 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Michigan, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Michigan, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Ann Arbor. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
With your sights set on Tree Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Ann Arbor.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Kerrytown
- Lower Burns Park
- Old West Side
- Northside/Lower Town
- Allen Creek/Old West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Burns Park
- Eberwhite
- Water Hill
- Ann Arbor Hills
- Dicken
Things to do in Ann Arbor
With your move to Michigan complete, you can dive right into experiencing Ann Arbor. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Ann Arbor is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Ann Arbor?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Modesto to Ann Arbor. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Ann Arbor?
Want to save on your move from Modesto to Ann Arbor? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Modesto to Ann Arbor take?
The 2,341-mile move from Modesto, CA, to Ann Arbor, MI, takes seven to 18 days. Some Modesto movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Ann Arbor.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Modesto?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Modesto provide piano moving services. 5 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
