Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Ann Arbor typically costs $1,600–$4,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 241 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Chicago to Ann Arbor
Moving from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI typically costs $1,600–$4,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 241-mile move from Chicago 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
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $1,497 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,757 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $3,381 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 17, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 11, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Ann Arbor
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,000.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($300–$800) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Ann Arbor movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Chicago to Ann Arbor
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Chicago to Ann Arbor, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 IL→MI movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 100 Illinois moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 40% less for singles and 42% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,344 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.25% |
- Rent is estimated to be 11% higher in Ann Arbor compared to Chicago; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 61% greater in Ann Arbor than in Chicago.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Ann Arbor compared to Chicago.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Ann Arbor. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 40% lower than in Chicago.
- Choosing to move to Ann Arbor can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 42% less than in Chicago.
- Ann Arbor enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 61% lower compared to Chicago, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 41% in Ann Arbor compared to Chicago, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 14% less in Michigan than in Illinois. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chicago and Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Ann Arbor
| Chicago | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 71 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor's population is about 95% less than Chicago.
- Ann Arbor's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Ann Arbor is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Both Ann Arbor and Chicago have similar bike-friendliness scores (72 vs 71), meaning Ann Arbor is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Ann Arbor's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 31.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 79.18 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Ann Arbor. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Now that you've decided to make the move to Tree Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Michigan, it's time to get out and discover what Ann Arbor has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Ann Arbor, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Ann Arbor?
The best time to move from Chicago to Ann Arbor is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Ann Arbor?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chicago to Ann Arbor, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chicago to Ann Arbor take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI covers 241 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Ann Arbor.
Which movers in Chicago give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Chicago?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 54 movers in Chicago advertise piano moving expertise. 40 movers in Chicago provide antique moving services. State totals show 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
