($474+) St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $479 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,768 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 645 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 $1,597, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,768 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,008 - $3,568, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $479 - $1,298.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,311 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
There are 3 main ways to move from St. Paul to Ann Arbor: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,311 - $5,902. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 645-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 645-mile route from St. Paul to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,597 - $4,646 | $1,008 - $1,897 | $479 - $933 | $991 - $1,758 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,311 - $5,902 | $1,401 - $2,678 | $548 - $1,140 | $1,110 - $2,017 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,291 - $8,768 | $1,710 - $3,568 | $651 - $1,298 | $1,368 - $2,610 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 645-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, with costs ranging from $1,597 - $8,768. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $311 - $2,072. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between St. Paul and Ann Arbor. Local movers in St. Paul typically start around $243 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Paul to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,597 - $4,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,311 - $5,902
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,291 - $8,768
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 St. Paul to Ann Arbor.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of St. Paul movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Paul to Ann Arbor?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Michigan Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in St. Paul, MN. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,008 and $3,568. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in St. Paul costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Paul to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,008 - $1,897
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,401 - $2,678
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,568
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In St. Paul, MN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $725, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $155 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both St. Paul, MN, and Ann Arbor, MI, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to Michigan 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 $1,008. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,401 - $2,678, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers St. Paul to Ann Arbor?
- 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
Truck rentals from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, range from $479 - $1,298 for the 645-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $213 - $243
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- St. Paul daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 St. Paul to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $479 - $933
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $548 - $1,140
- 4+ bedrooms: $651 - $1,298
Pro tip: The base rate of $479 - $1,298 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from St. Paul to Ann Arbor. Fuel ($213 - $243) , lodging at around $155/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $155 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $67 and $337 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $213 - $243 in fuel for the 645-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $725 in St. Paul, Minnesota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Ann Arbor?
- 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 St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
If you're moving a larger household from St. Paul, Minnesota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,110 and $2,017.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Paul to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $991 - $1,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,110 - $2,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,368 - $2,610
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $78 - $155 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in St. Paul, Minnesota, for about five hours typically runs $725.
What are the best freight companies from St. Paul to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from St. Paul to Ann Arbor, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: St. Paul, MN vs Ann Arbor, MI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between St. Paul and Ann Arbor to plan around. Cost of living index: 102 vs. 106. Average rent: $1,350/mo vs. $2,260/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 60 vs. 52. Safety index: 49.14 vs. 79.18.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to St. Paul, MN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Michigan, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 49 movers licensed in Minnesota, useful context for sizing up this 645-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from St. Paul, MN, to Ann Arbor, MI, 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 $1,597 - $8,768 on the 645-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,008 - $3,568 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $479 - $1,298 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,311 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 University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Ann Arbor, MI
What is the best time of year to move from St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Ann Arbor a safe place to live?
Ann Arbor has a safety index of 79.18 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.0, compared to 49.14 and 50.86 in St. Paul. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from St. Paul, MN to Ann Arbor, MI?
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 $548 - $1,140. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor?
For families, Burns Park, Eberwhite, and Water Hill are worth a look in Ann Arbor. If you're moving solo or without kids, Kerrytown, Lower Burns Park, and Old West Side tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of St. Paul movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in St. Paul handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.