Moving from Ann Arbor to Lansing, MI
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Quick answer: Moving from Ann Arbor to Lansing costs between $66 to $4,331 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 66-mile route within Michigan take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Ann Arbor to Lansing
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Ann Arbor to Lansing 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 Lansing, 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 66 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,152 - $3,407 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $751 - $1,523 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $91 - $143 | 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 Lansing?
It costs between $66 to $4,331 to move from Ann Arbor to Lansing. The prices below break down your 66-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $582 - $4,331
- Moving containers: $517 - $1,811
- Rental trucks: $66 - $145
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $582 - $3,092 | $517 - $985 | $66 - $113 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,152 - $3,407 | $751 - $1,523 | $91 - $143 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,666 - $4,331 | $928 - $1,811 | $101 - $145 |
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 Lansing
At 66 miles, your Ann Arbor to Lansing 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 Lansing. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Michigan, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 66 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 Lansing. 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 Lansing to Ann Arbor guide.
Considerations when moving from Ann Arbor to Lansing
Cost of living: Ann Arbor vs. Lansing
Comparing life in Ann Arbor and Lansing 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 Lansing stacks up against Ann Arbor.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Ann Arbor | Lansing | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,260 | $1,129 |
| Average home cost | $435,434 | $119,327 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,089 | $52,170 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,176 | $1,595 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,344 | $4,199 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 7.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Lansing are 50% 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 Lansing are 73% 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 Lansing is 36% lower than in Ann Arbor, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to Lansing means you’ll spend 27% less on living expenses than you would in Ann Arbor. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to Lansing, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 21% lower than in Ann Arbor. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Lansing is 111% 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 Lansing 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 $2,190 to maintain the same lifestyle in Lansing.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Lansing
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Lansing 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 | Lansing | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 112,644 |
| Political leaning | Democratic72-26 | Republican 50-48 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 33" |
| Annual snow | 43" | 46" |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 48.66 |
Lansing sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Lansing has about 9% fewer people than Ann Arbor. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- In the last presidential election, Lansing leaned Republican, while Ann Arbor leaned Democratic72-26.
- Moving between Ann Arbor and Lansing won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 82°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Ann Arbor and Lansing experience similar lows—expect 17°F in Ann Arbor and 17°F in Lansing.
- Both Ann Arbor and Lansing experience similar annual rainfall, with Ann Arbor receiving 36 inches and Lansing getting 33 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Ann Arbor and Lansing, with Ann Arbor getting about 43 inches and Lansing seeing 46 inches.
- Crime is higher in Lansing (48.66) than in Ann Arbor (31.0).
Things to do in Lansing
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Lansing.
Museums in Lansing
- Michigan History Center
- Impression 5 Science Center
- R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
Parks in Lansing
- Woldumar Nature Center
- Potter Park Zoo
- Hawk Island Park
- River Trail
- Carl G. Fenner Nature Center
Sports teams in Lansing
- Lansing Lugnuts (Baseball)
Universities in Lansing
- Lansing Community College
- Great Lakes Christian College
- Michigan State University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Ann Arbor to Lansing?
Shipping furniture from Ann Arbor to Lansing with a mover will cost between $538 and $2,642. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,152–$3,407, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Ann Arbor to Lansing will cost from $1,666–$4,331.
How much are moving container companies from Ann Arbor to Lansing?
If you're moving from Ann Arbor to Lansing and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $404 to $910. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $751 and $1,523. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $928 up to $1,811.
How much is a moving truck from Ann Arbor to Lansing?
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 $66 and $113. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $91 to $143. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Ann Arbor to Lansing, truck rental prices typically range from $101 up to $145.
How far in advance should I book Ann Arbor-to-Lansing movers?
For a smooth move from Ann Arbor to Lansing, 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 Lansing?
To score the best moving deals to Lansing, 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.
