Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Ann Arbor
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Ann Arbor
Moving from Baltimore to Ann Arbor means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Baltimore than in Ann Arbor, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Baltimore compares to Ann Arbor so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Baltimore | Ann Arbor | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $2,260 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $474,909 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $66,964 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $2,176 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $5,344 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Ann Arbor are 41% higher than in Baltimore, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
Home prices in Ann Arbor are 162.7% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Ann Arbor is 14.8% higher than in Baltimore, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Ann Arbor include University of Michigan, NSK Americas, Inc., and Domino's Pizza.
- The cost of living for a single person in Ann Arbor is 2.1% lower than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Ann Arbor, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Ann Arbor is 5.0% higher than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is 55.70% lower than in Baltimore.
- Sales taxes are the same in Ann Arbor and Baltimore.
- One perk of moving to Ann Arbor is paying less in state income taxes, which are 26.09% lower than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,936.57 in Ann Arbor to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 123,851 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 8 |
Walkability score | 52 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 71 | 53 |
Crime Index | 31.0 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 79.18 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Ann Arbor's population is about 79% less than Baltimore.
- Ann Arbor's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
- Ann Arbor is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Ann Arbor's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 31.0 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 79.18 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is moderate, and in Baltimore it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore vs. Ann Arbor move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Michigan doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Ann Arbor. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
After settling into your new Michigan home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Ann Arbor has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Ann Arbor is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Ann Arbor?
The best time to move from Baltimore 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 Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Ann Arbor?
Because most people are moving from Baltimore to Ann Arbor in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Baltimore to Ann Arbor take?
The 526-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Ann Arbor, MI, takes one to six days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Ann Arbor.