Ann Arbor, MI to Houston, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Ann Arbor to Houston typically costs $3,300–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,280 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Ann Arbor to Houston
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Houston, TX typically costs $3,300–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,280-mile move from Ann Arbor to Houston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $8,371 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,182 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,333 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 20, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 10, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 16, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Ann Arbor to Houston move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,200 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Ann Arbor.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $900 to $2,400, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Houston, TX to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Best Ann Arbor to Houston movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Ann Arbor to Houston
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Ann Arbor to Houston much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MI→TX movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 84 Michigan movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Houston runs about 27% higher for singles and 34% higher for families than Ann Arbor.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Houston versus $2,176 in Ann Arbor; families pay $7,157 compared with $5,344.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Ann Arbor | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,831 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,763 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $474,909 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,176 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,344 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Ann Arbor to Houston, expect to find rent about 31% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 44% more affordable in Houston compared to Ann Arbor.
- In terms of average income, Houston and Ann Arbor are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Houston, as living costs for a single person are 27% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 34% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- Houston shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Ann Arbor by around 17%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Houston are 38% more than in Ann Arbor, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Ann Arbor and Houston:
| Living Expense | Ann Arbor | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $158.05 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.64 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.70 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $44.00 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Ann Arbor than in Houston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Ann Arbor than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Ann Arbor than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Ann Arbor than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Ann Arbor than in Houston.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Houston
| Ann Arbor | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 52 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 49 |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 79.18 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Houston's population is about 1758% greater than Ann Arbor.
- Houston's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Ann Arbor's score of 7.
- Houston is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71.
- Houston's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 63.5 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 36.5 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Ann Arbor it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor to Houston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Houston
Planning your move to HOU? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Houston has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Houston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Houston?
Planning your move from Ann Arbor to Houston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Ann Arbor.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Houston?
Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor to Houston 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 Houston take?
The 1,280-mile journey from Ann Arbor, MI to Houston, TX, typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Ann Arbor offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Houston.
Are there special savings available from movers in Ann Arbor?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Ann Arbor?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Ann Arbor, 20 movers can manage piano relocations. 7 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
