($748+) Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Denver, CO, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $748 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,784 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,228 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,261, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,784 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,209 - $4,447, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $748 - $2,094.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Denver, CO, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,878 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 Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI
There are 3 main ways to move from Denver 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 $2,878 - $6,213. Containers cost roughly 45% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,228 miles, expect 2 to 8 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 1,228-mile route from Denver to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,261 - $4,738 | $1,209 - $2,222 | $748 - $1,385 | $1,065 - $2,167 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,878 - $6,213 | $1,589 - $3,291 | $785 - $1,647 | $1,335 - $2,477 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,532 - $8,784 | $2,132 - $4,447 | $1,091 - $2,094 | $1,810 - $3,249 |
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 Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI
Hiring full-service movers from Denver, Colorado, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $2,261 and $8,784. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,228-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $358 - $2,384, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Denver and Ann Arbor. For a rough baseline, movers based in Denver tend to start around $262 plus $115/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Denver to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,261 - $4,738
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,878 - $6,213
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,532 - $8,784
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 Denver to Ann Arbor.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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 Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 48% of Denver 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 packing70% of local movers | $596 - $5,960 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready48% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $238 - $1,430/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $358 - $2,861 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,192 - $3,576 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,980 - $11,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $893 - $1,696 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $1,192 - $2,980 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $954 - $4,172 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $358 - $1,788 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $775 - $2,384 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $358 - $17,880+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $358 - $4,172+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Denver 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Denver, CO. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Denver, Colorado, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,209 and $4,447. 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 Denver typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Denver to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,209 - $2,222
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,589 - $3,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,132 - $4,447
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $89 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $179 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $834 in Denver, CO, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Ann Arbor, MI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado 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 $1,209. 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 $1,589 - $3,291.
What are the best moving containers Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Moving Brothers LLC (4.9/5), 13 years in business
- Moving Proz (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI
Plan on $748 - $2,094 for a rental moving truck on the 1,228-mile route from Denver, Colorado, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $466 - $532
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Denver daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Denver to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $748 - $1,385
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $785 - $1,647
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,094
Pro tip: A rental truck from Denver to Ann Arbor looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $748 - $2,094. But once you factor in fuel ($466 - $532), overnight lodging ($179/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $89 and $417.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $179.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $466 and $532 for the 1,228-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $834 for 2 movers in Denver, Colorado, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Denver 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 Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Denver, Colorado, 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 $1,073 and $2,477.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Denver to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,065 - $2,167
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,335 - $2,477
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,810 - $3,249
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $89 - $179 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Denver, Colorado, for about five hours typically runs $834.
What are the best freight companies from Denver to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Denver 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: Denver, CO 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 Denver on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 128 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,900/mo | $2,260/mo |
| Median home value | $586,595 | $435,434 |
| Average income | $91,681/yr | $81,089/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 95/100 | 52/100 |
| Safety index | 52.16/100 | 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 Denver, CO guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Colorado 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. Colorado alone has 278 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,228-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Denver, CO, to Ann Arbor, MI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,261 - $8,784 on the 1,228-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,209 - $4,447, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $748 - $2,094. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,878 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Denver, CO, to Ann Arbor, MI
What is the best time of year to move from Denver, CO 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($466 - $532), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $179/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor has a walkability score of 52 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 71, compared to 95 and 96 in Denver. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI?
Costs on this route range from around $748 to $8,784, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,261 and $8,784, 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 Denver movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Denver handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.