($389+) Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $389 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,255 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 523 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,234, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,255 or more.
- Moving containers run $918 - $3,131, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $389 - $1,096.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,144 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Moving options from Ann Arbor to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,144 - $5,370 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 79% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 523-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 523-mile route from Ann Arbor to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,234 - $4,103 | $918 - $1,730 | $389 - $752 | $877 - $1,557 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,144 - $5,370 | $1,225 - $2,320 | $450 - $928 | $970 - $1,949 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,015 - $8,255 | $1,678 - $3,131 | $549 - $1,096 | $1,305 - $2,314 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 523-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arlington, Virginia, with prices running from $1,234 - $8,255. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $388 - $2,584 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Ann Arbor and Arlington are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Ann Arbor movers tend to run around $304 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ann Arbor to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,234 - $4,103
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,144 - $5,370
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,015 - $8,255
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Ann Arbor to Arlington.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Ann Arbor movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $646 - $6,460 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $258 - $1,550/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $388 - $3,101 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage3% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,292 - $3,876 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,230 - $12,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $968 - $1,839 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $1,292 - $3,230 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $1,034 - $4,522 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $388 - $1,938 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Extra Mile Moving | $840 - $2,584 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $388 - $19,380+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $388 - $4,522+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ann Arbor to Arlington?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Ann Arbor, MI, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $918 and $3,131. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Ann Arbor typically costs about $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $918 - $1,730
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,225 - $2,320
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,678 - $3,131
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $904 in Ann Arbor, MI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $97 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $194 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Arlington, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Michigan to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $918. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,225 - $2,320.
What are the best moving containers Ann Arbor to Arlington?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Ann Arbor to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Ann Arbor:
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.2/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Truck rentals from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arlington, Virginia, range from $389 - $1,096 for the 523-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $215 - $246
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Ann Arbor daily rental rate: $19 - $29
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $389 - $752
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $450 - $928
- 4+ bedrooms: $549 - $1,096
Pro tip: The base rate of $389 - $1,096 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Ann Arbor to Arlington. Fuel ($215 - $246), lodging at around $194/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $194 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Ann Arbor, Michigan, usually costs about $904 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 523-mile drive falls between $215 and $246, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $65 and $388 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor to Arlington?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arlington, Virginia. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,163 and $1,949.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $877 - $1,557
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $970 - $1,949
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,305 - $2,314
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $97 and $194.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for roughly five hours typically average $904.
What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Arlington quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Ann Arbor on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Ann Arbor, MI | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 164 |
| Average rent | $2,260/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $435,434 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $81,089/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 52/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 79.18/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Virginia over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 173 movers in our Michigan network to compare for this 523-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Arlington, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,234 - $8,255 on the 523-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $918 - $3,131 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $389 - $1,096 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,144 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Arlington, VA
How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $389 to $8,255, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,234 and $8,255, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $450 - $928. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($215 - $246), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $194/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arlington, VA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.