($232+) Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Dayton, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $247 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,673 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 200 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 $924, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,673 or more.
- Moving containers run $833 - $2,379, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $247 - $568.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dayton, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,544 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 Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving options from Dayton to Ann Arbor fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,544 - $4,281 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 200 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 200-mile route from Dayton to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $924 - $3,553, container $833 - $1,418, rental truck $247 - $409, freight trailer $757 - $1,276.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,544 - $4,281, container $1,072 - $1,943, rental truck $252 - $478, freight trailer $808 - $1,648.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,018 - $5,673, container $1,419 - $2,379, rental truck $308 - $568, freight trailer $1,080 - $1,962.
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 Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Hiring full-service movers from Dayton, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $924 and $5,673. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 200-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $271 - $1,808, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Dayton and Ann Arbor. For a rough baseline, movers based in Dayton tend to start around $330 plus $140/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dayton to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $924 - $3,553
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,544 - $4,281
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,018 - $5,673
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 Dayton 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: 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 Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Dayton 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 | $452 - $4,520 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $181 - $1,085/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $271 - $2,170 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $904 - $2,712 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,260 - $9,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $677 - $1,286 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $904 - $2,260 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $723 - $3,164 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $271 - $1,356 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $588 - $1,808 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $271 - $13,560+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $271 - $3,164+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dayton 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 Dayton, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Dayton to Ann Arbor with a local mover averages $1,544 - $4,281. Working with a local mover based in Dayton, OH often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.62/5 stars) is a local mover in Dayton, based on our analysis of feedback from 247 customers, 87.4% of which is positive.
Address: 11807 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 | Founded: 2004
Moving container costs from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Dayton, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $833 and $2,379. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Ann Arbor. If you go over that window, storage in Dayton adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dayton to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $833 - $1,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,072 - $1,943
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,419 - $2,379
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 $633 in Dayton, 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 $68 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $136 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 $833. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,072 - $1,943, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton:
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc (3.9/5), 110 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 25 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
A rental truck for this 200-mile move from Dayton, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $247 and $568. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $58 - $66
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Dayton daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Dayton to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $247 - $409
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $252 - $478
- 4+ bedrooms: $308 - $568
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $247 - $568 when pricing out a rental truck from Dayton to Ann Arbor. Fuel alone runs ($58 - $66) , and overnight lodging ($136/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $58 - $66 for the 200-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Dayton, Ohio, for about 5 hours typically costs around $633.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 200-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $136 per night, adding $271 - $407 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $45 and $271.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dayton 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 Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Dayton, Ohio, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $814 and $1,648.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dayton to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $757 - $1,276
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $808 - $1,648
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,080 - $1,962
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Dayton, Ohio, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $633.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $68 - $136 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 Dayton 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.
- ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co (4.88/5 stars): ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Ann Arbor fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Dayton, 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 Dayton on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Dayton, OH | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 80 | 106 |
| Average rent | $925/mo | $2,260/mo |
| Median home value | $94,536 | $435,434 |
| Average income | $43,454/yr | $81,089/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 52/100 |
| Safety index | 40.68/100 | 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 Dayton, 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 200-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Dayton, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $924 for a studio to $5,673 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 200-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $833 - $2,379. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $247 - $568, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,544 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Dayton, OH, to Ann Arbor, MI
What is the best time of year to move from Dayton, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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 40.68 and 4.0 in Dayton. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 45 and 47 in Dayton. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 Dayton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Dayton handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
