Moving from Ann Arbor to Detroit, MI
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Quick answer: Moving from Ann Arbor to Detroit costs between $39 to $4,197 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 44-mile route within Michigan take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Ann Arbor to Detroit
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Ann Arbor to Detroit are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Ann Arbor to driving and unloading in Detroit, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 44 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $809 - $2,596 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $399 - $1,076 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $124 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Handle With Care Moving | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor to Detroit?
It costs between $39 to $4,197 to move from Ann Arbor to Detroit. The prices below break down your 44-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $471 - $4,197
- Moving containers: $122 - $1,644
- Rental trucks: $39 - $143
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $471 - $1,445 | $122 - $781 | $39 - $98 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $809 - $2,596 | $399 - $1,076 | $48 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,423 - $4,197 | $848 - $1,644 | $62 - $143 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $318 - $2,650+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $75/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $212 - $848 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $53 - $212 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Ann Arbor to Detroit
At 44 miles, your Ann Arbor to Detroit move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Ann Arbor to Detroit. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Michigan, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 44 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Ann Arbor to Detroit. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 93.8% of their 48 verified reviews are positive.
More Michigan moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit to Ann Arbor guide.
Considerations when moving from Ann Arbor to Detroit
Cost of living: Ann Arbor vs. Detroit
Comparing life in Ann Arbor and Detroit goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Detroit stacks up against Ann Arbor.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Ann Arbor | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,260 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $435,434 | $79,675 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,089 | $39,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,176 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,344 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 9.06% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Detroit are 45% lower than in Ann Arbor, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Detroit are 82% lower than in Ann Arbor, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Detroit is 51% lower than in Ann Arbor, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Cost of living for one person is 15% higher in Detroit compared to Ann Arbor. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Detroit, expect living costs to be about 25% higher than in Ann Arbor. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Detroit a pricier choice for families.
- Unemployment in Detroit is 159% higher than in Ann Arbor. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes match in Detroit and Ann Arbor, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Ann Arbor, you’d need roughly $3,450 to maintain the same lifestyle in Detroit.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Detroit
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Detroit compared to Ann Arbor. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Ann Arbor | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 639,111 |
| Political leaning | Democratic72-26 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 34" |
| Annual snow | 43" | 33" |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 72.92 |
Detroit sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Detroit is approximately 416% greater than the population of Ann Arbor. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- In the last presidential election, Detroit leaned Democratic, while Ann Arbor leaned Democratic72-26.
- Moving between Ann Arbor and Detroit won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 84°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Ann Arbor and Detroit experience similar lows—expect 17°F in Ann Arbor and 19°F in Detroit.
- Both Ann Arbor and Detroit experience similar annual rainfall, with Ann Arbor receiving 36 inches and Detroit getting 34 inches.
- Ann Arbor sees more annual snowfall than Detroit, averaging 43 inches compared to Detroit’s 33.
- Crime is higher in Detroit (72.92) than in Ann Arbor (31.0).
Things to do in Detroit
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Detroit.
Museums in Detroit
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
- Detroit Historical Museum
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Parks in Detroit
- Belle Isle Park
- Beacon Park
- Palmer Park
- Balduck Park
- Grand Circus Park
Sports teams in Detroit
- Detriot Tigers (MLB)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
Universities in Detroit
- Wayne State University
- Henry Ford College
- Marygrove College
- St Clair College
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Ann Arbor to Detroit?
Shipping furniture from Ann Arbor to Detroit with a mover will cost between $357 and $1,177. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $809–$2,596, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Ann Arbor to Detroit will cost from $1,423–$4,197.
How much are moving container companies from Ann Arbor to Detroit?
If you're moving from Ann Arbor to Detroit and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $123 to $766. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $399 and $1,076. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $848 up to $1,644.
How much is a moving truck from Ann Arbor to Detroit?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $39 and $94. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $48 to $124. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Ann Arbor to Detroit, truck rental prices typically range from $62 up to $143.
How far in advance should I book Ann Arbor-to-Detroit movers?
For a smooth move from Ann Arbor to Detroit, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Detroit?
To score the best moving deals to Detroit, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
