($1,189) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Ann Arbor, MI

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Ann Arbor

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Ann Arbor typically costs between $1,189 and $3,485. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,089 and $5,562 when moving from Des Moines to Ann Arbor. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Des Moines to Ann Arbor, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,643 up to $7,634.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Ann Arbor

If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Ann Arbor, you’ll typically spend between $687 and $1,558 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,216 up to $2,334. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,621 and $3,163. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Ann Arbor

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Des Moines to Ann Arbor move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $430 and $774. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $463 to $948. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $572 and $1,178.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 97% higher in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 147% higher in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines.
• Exciting news here, the average income is about 14% higher in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Ann Arbor, as the cost of living for a single person in Ann Arbor is 15% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
• As you plan your move to Ann Arbor, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 22% more than it is in Des Moines.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 41% lower than Des Moines, Ann Arbor boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are 14% lower in Ann Arbor than Des Moines, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
• Income taxes are similar in Michigan and Iowa (within about 5%), so your paycheck deductions should stay consistent, offering a level of financial predictability as you transition between states.

• Ann Arbor’s population is about 82% less than Des Moines.
• Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Ann Arbor is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Ann Arbor’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 31.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 79.18 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Ann Arbor without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

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

Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Ann Arbor. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Ann Arbor include museums and art 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: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.