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Top-rated local movers that handle Cincinnati to Ann Arbor moves
When planning a move from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 12 local movers in Cincinnati who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604361
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2962688
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00604903
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1878284
Alternate Names: Smooth Move Relocation Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Help
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor?
Movers in Ohio charge $153 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $875 – $2,922 | $608 – $1,352 | $302 – $523 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,555 – $4,414 | $1,082 – $1,967 | $299 – $583 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,141 – $6,169 | $1,468 – $2,561 | $366 – $700 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor, you can expect to spend between $875 and $2,922. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,555 to $4,414 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor typically runs between $2,141 and $6,169.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor
When moving from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $608 and $1,352. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,082 to $1,967. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,468 up to $2,561. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck in Cincinnati is usually your cheapest option to get to Ann Arbor. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $302 and $523. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $299 and $583. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $366 and $700.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor
The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,160, but larger homes can run up to $5,014.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Cincinnati.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($302–$674) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Cincinnati – roughly 12% less for singles and 17% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $2,467 in Cincinnati. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $6,418.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cincinnati | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.25% |
- As you consider relocating to Ann Arbor, note that rent can be roughly 56% more expensive than it is in Cincinnati; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 104% higher in Ann Arbor than in Cincinnati.
- The average income in Ann Arbor and Cincinnati is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Ann Arbor, where the cost of living for a single person is 12% less than in Cincinnati.
- Moving to Ann Arbor could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 17% less than in Cincinnati.
- Ann Arbor experiences an unemployment rate that is about 29% lower than that of Cincinnati. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Ann Arbor than in Cincinnati. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Ann Arbor can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 21% higher in Michigan compared to Ohio. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Cincinnati with Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Ann Arbor, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cincinnati than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Cincinnati than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread costs less in Cincinnati than in Ann Arbor.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Ann Arbor
| Cincinnati | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 71 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 60% less than Cincinnati.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- Ann Arbor is more walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati, which has a score of 36 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Ann Arbor’s crime rate is lower than Cincinnati with a score of 31.0 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Cincinnati with a safety index of 79.18 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Michigan doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Ann Arbor smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives 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 Ann Arbor
Now that you’ve chosen Tree Town as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Kerrytown
- Lower Burns Park
- Old West Side
- Northside/Lower Town
- Allen Creek/Old West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Burns Park
- Eberwhite
- Water Hill
- Ann Arbor Hills
- Dicken
Things to do in Ann Arbor
After getting comfortable in your new Michigan home, it’s time to see what Ann Arbor is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Ann Arbor offers cultural landmarks like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Cincinnati are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor?
Because spring and fall moves from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor take?
A move of 253 miles from Cincinnati, OH to Ann Arbor, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Cincinnati sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Ann Arbor is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Cincinnati?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Cincinnati offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Cincinnati have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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