Des Moines, IA to Ann Arbor, MI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→MI movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Ann Arbor

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Ann Arbor runs about 15% higher for singles and 22% higher for families than Des Moines.

Singles spend around $2,176 in Ann Arbor versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,344 compared with $4,380.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Des Moines	Ann Arbor
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$1,831
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$3,763
Average home value	$192,347	$474,909
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$66,964
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$2,176
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$5,344
Unemployment rate	5.9%	3.5%
Sales tax	7.0%	6.0%
State income tax	4.4%	4.25%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

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.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Ann Arbor, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Ann Arbor
Basic utilities	$144.82	$158.05
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$48.64
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$2.70
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$3.60
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$15.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$75.00
Gym membership	$66.67	$44.00

Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Ann Arbor, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Ann Arbor.
Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Ann Arbor.
Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Ann Arbor.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Ann Arbor.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Ann Arbor.
Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Ann Arbor

	Des Moines	Ann Arbor
Population	699,292	123,851
Transportation score	5	7
Walkability score	45	52
Bike friendliness score	39	71
Crime index	5.0	31.0
Safety index	57.8	79.18
Air quality	Good	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

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.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Ann Arbor move

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.

Where to live in Ann Arbor

Ready to relocate to Tree Town? Here are some of the top 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

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.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor?

With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor take?

Covering 557 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Ann Arbor, MI typically takes one to six days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Ann Arbor can help bridge the gap.

How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Ann Arbor?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 10 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.