($235+) Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI

Moving from Columbus, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $222 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,319 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 194 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 $853, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,319 or more.
  • Moving containers run $845 - $2,332, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $222 - $532.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,524 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI

Moving options from Columbus to Ann Arbor fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,524 - $4,277 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 194 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 194-mile route from Columbus to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $853 - $3,450 $845 - $1,452 $222 - $407 $696 - $1,294
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,524 - $4,277 $994 - $1,853 $255 - $444 $812 - $1,513
4+ bedrooms $2,036 - $5,319 $1,302 - $2,332 $291 - $532 $1,062 - $1,827

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 194-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, with costs ranging from $853 - $5,319. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $291 - $1,940. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbus and Ann Arbor. Local movers in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $853 - $3,450
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,524 - $4,277
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,036 - $5,319

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 Columbus 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.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI

Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Columbus 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$485 - $4,850
Storage in transitNew place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage$194 - $1,164/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$291 - $2,328
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers$970 - $2,910
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,425 - $9,700
Car shippingSecond vehicle$727 - $1,380
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage$970 - $2,425
PianoAny piano type53% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage$776 - $3,395
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling23% of local movers$291 - $1,455
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage$631 - $1,940
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$291 - $14,550+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$291 - $3,395+

What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Ann Arbor?

Look for Michigan Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Michigan beyond this list.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Columbus, OH?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Columbus to Ann Arbor with a local mover averages $1,464 - $4,106. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Columbus, OH can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.

That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.

MVM Moving & Storage (4.76/5 stars) is a local mover in Columbus, based on our analysis of feedback from 257 customers, 96.9% of which is positive.

Address: 3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH, 43026 | Founded: 2005

Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI

Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $845 and $2,332. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbus runs about $65/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $845 - $1,452
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $994 - $1,853
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,302 - $2,332

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 $679 in Columbus, OH. 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 $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 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 Ann Arbor, MI, destination before booking.

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 $845. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $994 - $1,853, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Columbus to Ann Arbor?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
  • EkoMovers (4.3/5), 16 years in business
  • Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI

Renting a moving truck for the 194-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $222 and $532, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $60 - $68
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbus to Ann Arbor based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $222 - $407
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $255 - $444
  • 4+ bedrooms: $291 - $532

Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Ann Arbor looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $222 - $532. But once you factor in fuel ($60 - $68) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 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?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $73 and $340.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $146.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $60 and $68 for the 194-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $679 for 2 movers in Columbus, Ohio, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Ann Arbor?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI

If you're moving a larger household from Columbus, 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 $812 and $1,513.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $696 - $1,294
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $812 - $1,513
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,062 - $1,827

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

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 $73 and $146.
  • 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 Columbus, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $679.

What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Ann Arbor?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. THE Sygma Network (4.5/5 stars): THE Sygma Network is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

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 Ann Arbor 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: Columbus, 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 Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Columbus, OH Ann Arbor, MI
Cost of living index91106
Average rent$1,441/mo$2,260/mo
Median home value$233,368$435,434
Average income$65,327/yr$81,089/yr
Unemployment rate5.7%3.5%
State income taxUp to 3.5%Up to 4.25%
Walkability score41/10052/100
Safety index50.35/10079.18/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Columbus, OH guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Michigan in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 103 movers based in Ohio, handy for sizing up options on this 194-mile route.

30%+
Save 30%+
moveBuddha users save an average of at least 30% by checking pricing before booking.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
We provide added coverage and dedicated support throughout for moveBuddha Certified moves.
Dispute mediation
If anything goes wrong, we help resolve it with Certified movers.

Our take

The 194-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, costs between $853 and $5,319 with full-service movers, $845 - $2,332 with a moving container, and $222 - $532 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,524 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..

FAQs: Moving from Columbus, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI

How much does it cost to move from Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI?

Costs on this route range from around $853 to $5,319, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $853 and $5,319, 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.

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 41 and 48 in Columbus. 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 ($60 - $68), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/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 Columbus, 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 percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 53% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.