Moving from Lansing to Ann Arbor, MI
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Quick answer: Moving from Lansing to Ann Arbor costs between $71 to $4,374 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 64-mile route within Michigan take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lansing to Ann Arbor
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lansing to Ann Arbor are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lansing to driving and unloading in Ann Arbor, 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 64 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,223 - $3,585 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $743 - $1,552 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $90 - $148 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $240/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 Lansing to Ann Arbor?
It costs between $71 to $4,374 to move from Lansing to Ann Arbor. The prices below break down your 64-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $588 - $4,374
- Moving containers: $538 - $1,739
- Rental trucks: $71 - $143
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $588 - $2,972 | $538 - $945 | $71 - $120 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,223 - $3,585 | $743 - $1,552 | $90 - $148 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,716 - $4,374 | $928 - $1,739 | $97 - $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 | $252 - $2,100+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $240/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $168 - $672 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $42 - $168 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lansing to Ann Arbor
At 64 miles, your Lansing to Ann Arbor 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 Lansing to Ann Arbor. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Michigan, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 64 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lansing to Ann Arbor. They've been in business since 2018 (8 years of experience) and 96.2% of their 262 verified reviews are positive.
More Michigan moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor to Lansing guide.
Considerations when moving from Lansing to Ann Arbor
Cost of living: Lansing vs. Ann Arbor
Comparing life in Lansing and Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor stacks up against Lansing.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lansing | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,129 | $2,260 |
| Average home cost | $119,327 | $435,434 |
| Average income (per capita) | $52,170 | $81,089 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,595 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,199 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 3.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Ann Arbor are 100% higher than in Lansing. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Ann Arbor are 265% higher than in Lansing. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Ann Arbor is 55% higher than in Lansing, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 36% higher in Ann Arbor compared to Lansing. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Ann Arbor, expect living costs to be about 27% higher than in Lansing. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Ann Arbor a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is 53% lower than in Lansing, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Ann Arbor and Lansing, 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 Lansing, you’d need roughly $4,080 to maintain the same lifestyle in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Lansing vs. Ann Arbor
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Ann Arbor compared to Lansing. 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.
| Lansing | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,644 | 123,851 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50-48 | Democratic72-26 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 36" |
| Annual snow | 46" | 43" |
| Crime index | 48.66 | 31.0 |
Ann Arbor sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Ann Arbor is approximately 10% greater than the population of Lansing. 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, Ann Arbor leaned Democratic72-26, while Lansing leaned Republican.
- Moving between Lansing and Ann Arbor won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 83°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Lansing and Ann Arbor experience similar lows—expect 17°F in Lansing and 17°F in Ann Arbor.
- Both Lansing and Ann Arbor experience similar annual rainfall, with Lansing receiving 33 inches and Ann Arbor getting 36 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Lansing and Ann Arbor, with Lansing getting about 46 inches and Ann Arbor seeing 43 inches.
- You’ll feel safer in Ann Arbor, thanks to its lower crime index (31.0) compared to Lansing (48.66).
Things to do in Ann Arbor
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Ann Arbor.
Museums in Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- University of Michigan Museum of Art
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
- Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
- Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry
Parks in Ann Arbor
- Gallup Park
- Hudson Mills Metropark
- County Farm Park
- Buhr Park
- Lillie Park
Sports teams in Ann Arbor
- Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten)
Universities in Ann Arbor
- University of Michigan
- Cleary University
- Concordia University Ann Arbor
- Washtenaw Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lansing to Ann Arbor?
Shipping furniture from Lansing to Ann Arbor with a mover will cost between $571 and $2,463. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,223–$3,585, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Lansing to Ann Arbor will cost from $1,716–$4,374.
How much are moving container companies from Lansing to Ann Arbor?
If you're moving from Lansing to Ann Arbor and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $381 to $919. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $743 and $1,552. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $928 up to $1,739.
How much is a moving truck from Lansing to Ann Arbor?
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 $67 and $120. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $90 to $148. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Lansing to Ann Arbor, truck rental prices typically range from $97 up to $143.
How far in advance should I book Lansing-to-Ann Arbor movers?
For a smooth move from Lansing to Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor?
To score the best moving deals to Ann Arbor, 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.
