($278+) Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $307 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,801 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 241 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $983, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,801 or more.
- Moving containers run $887 - $2,509, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $307 - $722.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,523 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving options from Chicago to Ann Arbor fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,523 - $4,504 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 241 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 241-mile route from Chicago to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $983 - $3,644 | $887 - $1,466 | $307 - $550 | $782 - $1,374 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,523 - $4,504 | $1,055 - $2,032 | $323 - $601 | $879 - $1,659 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,079 - $5,801 | $1,418 - $2,509 | $402 - $722 | $1,205 - $2,071 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI
For the 241-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, full-service movers cost between $983 and $5,801. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $318 - $2,120 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $983 - $3,644
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,523 - $4,504
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,079 - $5,801
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 Chicago to Ann Arbor.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $530 - $5,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $212 - $1,272/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $318 - $2,544 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,060 - $3,180 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,650 - $10,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $794 - $1,508 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,060 - $2,650 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $848 - $3,710 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $318 - $1,590 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $689 - $2,120 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $318 - $15,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $318 - $3,710+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago 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.
How much do local movers cost in Chicago, IL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Ann Arbor with a local mover averages $1,553 - $4,594. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Chicago, IL can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Mighty Moving & Storage (4.7/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 88 customers, 94.3% of which is positive.
Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $887 and $2,509. 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 Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $887 - $1,466
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,055 - $2,032
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,418 - $2,509
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $80 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $159 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 $742 in Chicago, IL, 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 Illinois 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 $887. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,055 - $2,032, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 241 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, running $307 - $722. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $81 - $93
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Chicago to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $307 - $550
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $323 - $601
- 4+ bedrooms: $402 - $722
Pro tip: The base rate of $307 - $722 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Ann Arbor. Fuel ($81 - $93) , lodging at around $159/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $81 - $93 for the 241-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours typically costs around $742.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 241-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $159 per night, adding $318 - $477 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $53 and $318.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago 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 Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Chicago, Illinois, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $879 and $1,659.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $782 - $1,374
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $879 - $1,659
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,205 - $2,071
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $80 and $159.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly five hours typically average $742.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Ann Arbor, MI
Day-to-day costs in Ann Arbor are close to what you're used to in Chicago: cost of living index of 106 versus 106, with average rent of $2,260/mo compared to $2,045/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago versus 52/100 and 79.18/100 in Ann Arbor.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago, IL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Michigan, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 103 movers licensed in Illinois, useful context for sizing up this 241-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, 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 $983 - $5,801 on the 241-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $887 - $2,509, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $307 - $722. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,523 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 Chicago, IL, to Ann Arbor, MI
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Ann Arbor run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor?
For families, Burns Park, Eberwhite, and Water Hill are worth a look in Ann Arbor. If you're moving solo or without kids, Kerrytown, Lower Burns Park, and Old West Side tend to be popular picks instead.
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 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
