($193+) Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Cleveland, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $193 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,016 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $746, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,016 or more.
- Moving containers run $723 - $2,201, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $193 - $459.
- 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 $1,242 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 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,242 - $3,939. Containers cost roughly 27% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 84% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 170 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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: $746 for a studio up to $5,016 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $723 - $2,201 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $193 - $459, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $644 - $1,778, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
For the 170-mile move from Cleveland, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, full-service movers cost between $746 and $5,016. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $277 - $1,844 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Cleveland generally start 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: $746 - $3,283
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,242 - $3,939
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,696 - $5,016
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.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Cleveland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $461 - $4,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Bright Eyed Moving | $184 - $1,106/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $277 - $2,213 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs45% 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 items16% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $922 - $2,305 |
| Piano | Any piano type31% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Bright Eyed Moving | $738 - $3,227 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $277 - $1,383 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Michigan Movers Association, the group most Michigan movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 $1,279 - $4,057. 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.
Andrews Moving & Storage Co (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Cleveland, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,059 customers, 93.0% of which is positive.
Address: 10235 Philipp Pkwy, Streetsboro, OH, 44241 | Founded: 1908
Moving container costs from Cleveland, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Cleveland, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $723 and $2,201. 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 Cleveland costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Cleveland to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $723 - $1,337
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $902 - $1,704
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,276 - $2,201
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Cleveland, OH and Ann Arbor, MI. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $645 in Cleveland, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $69 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $138 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $723. 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 $902 - $1,704.
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:
- Bright Eyed Moving (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 12 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 $193 - $459 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: $193 - $335
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $194 - $395
- 4+ bedrooms: $258 - $459
Pro tip: A rental truck from Cleveland to Ann Arbor looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $193 - $459. But once you factor in fuel ($50 - $57), overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Cleveland, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $645.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $50 - $57 for the 170-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $55 and $300, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $138 per night for hotel stops on the 170-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $277 - $415.
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
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Cleveland, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $790 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: $644 - $1,134
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $790 - $1,476
- 4+ bedrooms: $961 - $1,778
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Cleveland, Ohio, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $645.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $69 - $138 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Cleveland to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Cleveland to Ann Arbor. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio 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 282 movers licensed in Ohio, useful context for sizing up this 170-mile move.
Our take
A move from Cleveland, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $746 - $5,016 on the 170-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $723 - $2,201, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $193 - $459. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,242 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($50 - $57), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $138/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Cleveland, OH 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Cleveland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 31% of movers in Cleveland handle piano moves, and 16% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.