($197+) Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Cleveland, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $211 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,162 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 170 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $840, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,162 or more.
- Moving containers run $751 - $2,310, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $211 - $482.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Cleveland, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,386 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
There are 3 main ways to move from Cleveland 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 $1,386 - $4,095. 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 2 days for this 170-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 170-mile route from Cleveland to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $840 for a studio up to $5,162 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $751 - $2,310 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $211 - $482, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $718 - $1,774, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Full-service movers for the 170-mile relocation from Cleveland, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $840 and $5,162. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $277 - $1,844, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Cleveland typically charge a base rate around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Cleveland to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $840 - $3,280
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,386 - $4,095
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,988 - $5,162
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 Cleveland to Ann Arbor.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Cleveland 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 | $461 - $4,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $184 - $1,106/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $277 - $2,213 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $922 - $2,766 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,305 - $9,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $691 - $1,312 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items39% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Move For Less, LLC | $922 - $2,305 |
| Piano | Any piano type61% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Bright Eyed Moving | $738 - $3,227 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $277 - $1,383 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage | $599 - $1,844 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $277 - $13,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $277 - $3,227+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Cleveland to Ann Arbor?
Look for Michigan Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Michigan beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Cleveland, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Cleveland to Ann Arbor with a local mover averages $1,345 - $3,973. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Cleveland, OH can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Move For Less, LLC (4.66/5 stars) is a local mover in Cleveland, based on our analysis of feedback from 262 customers, 88.2% of which is positive.
Address: 380 Solon Rd STE 5, Bedford, OH, 44146 | Founded: 2010
Moving container costs from Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Cleveland, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $751 and $2,310. 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 Cleveland typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Cleveland to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $751 - $1,336
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,037 - $1,882
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,314 - $2,310
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 Cleveland, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $645, 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 $69 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $138 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Cleveland, OH, 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 Ohio 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 $751. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,037 - $1,882, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland:
- Move For Less, LLC (4.4/5), 16 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- A to Z Moving and Driving, LLC (4.7/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Truck rentals from Cleveland, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, range from $211 - $482 for the 170-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $50 - $57
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Cleveland 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 Cleveland to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $211 - $345
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $213 - $427
- 4+ bedrooms: $263 - $482
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $211 - $482 when pricing out a rental truck from Cleveland to Ann Arbor. Fuel alone runs ($50 - $57) , and overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $138 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 $60 and $300 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $50 - $57 in fuel for the 170-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $645 in Cleveland, Ohio, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Cleveland 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 Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
If you're moving a larger household from Cleveland, Ohio, 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 $789 and $1,476.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Cleveland to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $718 - $1,178
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $789 - $1,476
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,030 - $1,774
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $69 and $138.
- 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 Cleveland, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $645.
What are the best freight companies from Cleveland 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.
- Miller Transfer (4.84/5 stars): Miller Transfer 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 Cleveland 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: Cleveland, OH vs Ann Arbor, MI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ann Arbor, side by side with Cleveland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 83 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,295/mo | $2,260/mo |
| Median home value | $96,509 | $435,434 |
| Average income | $39,187/yr | $81,089/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 57/100 | 52/100 |
| Safety index | 36.59/100 | 79.18/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Cleveland, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Ohio to Michigan, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 103 movers in Ohio, so you have real options to compare for this 170-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Cleveland, OH, 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 $840 - $5,162 on the 170-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $751 - $2,310 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $211 - $482 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,386 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 Cleveland, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI
What do local movers charge in Cleveland?
Local movers based in Cleveland typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Ann Arbor run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Michigan?
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.
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.
How walkable is Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor has a walkability score of 52 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 71, compared to 57 and 52 in Cleveland. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 36.59 and 63.41 in Cleveland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Cleveland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 61% of movers in Cleveland handle piano moves, and 39% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
