Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to Denvertoggle

The cost of Ann Arbor movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Ann Arbor to Denver can be as low as $1,512 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,489.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $920 to $2,330. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Denver

Moving from Ann Arbor to Denver comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Denver is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Ann Arbor Denver
Average rent cost $2,260 $1,900
Average home value $474,909 $544,237
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $85,853
Cost of living (single person) $2,176 $3,392
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,344 $8,201
Unemployment rate 3.5% 7.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.15%
State income tax 4.25% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Denver are 16% lower than in Ann Arbor, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Ann Arbor.
    Home prices in Denver are 14.6% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income in Denver is 28.2% higher than in Ann Arbor, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Denver include Re/max, DaVita, and Ing Security Life Of Denver.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Denver, since the cost of living for a single person in Denver is 55.9% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Denver, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Denver is 53.5% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in Denver is 102.86% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Denver, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Denver are 52.50% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • State income taxes in Denver are 29.18% higher than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,676.47 in Denver to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Denver

Denver Ann Arbor
Population 715,522 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 7
Walkability score 95 52
Bike friendliness score 96 71
Crime Index 47.84 31.0
Safety Index 52.16 79.18
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Denver's population is about 478% greater than Ann Arbor.
  • Denver's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's lower score of 7.
  • Denver is more walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 95 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
  • With a score of 96 out of 100, Denver is more bike-friendly than Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Denver's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 47.84 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Denver neighborhoods are safer than 47.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
  • Denver is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 52.16 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
  • Air quality in Denver is moderate, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor vs. Denver move

  • Weather: Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.
  • 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 Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Colorado moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Colorado doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Denver. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-free advantage, provided by movers with minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable item, you would only receive compensation based on this limited valuation. If you seek comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with the moving company you're hiring 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 Denver

Ready to relocate to "Mile-High City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Denver.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Capitol Hill
  • Five Points
  • Highland
  • LoDo
  • Washington Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Berkeley
  • Fort Logan
  • Hilltop
  • Park Hill
  • Washington Park

Things to do in Denver

After settling into your new Colorado home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Denver has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Denver is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum, Molly Brown House Museum, and Forney Museum of Transportation.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Washington Park, Denver Mountain Parks, City Park - Denver, and Cheesman 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 Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Colorado Avalance (NHL), or Colorado Rapids (MLS) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Denver?

The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Denver is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Ann Arbor.

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Denver?

Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor to Denver 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 Ann Arbor to Denver take?

The 1,227-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Denver, CO, takes two to eight days. Some Ann Arbor movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Denver.

Helpful moving resources