Top local movers for Philadelphia to Ann Arbor moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Philadelphia that also provides long-distance services to Ann Arbor can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 68 local movers in Philadelphia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor?
Movers in Pennsylvania generally charge an average of $143 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,134 – $3,303 | $723 – $1,727 | $468 – $831 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,911 – $5,278 | $1,193 – $2,365 | $505 – $957 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,414 – $7,865 | $1,591 – $3,209 | $624 – $1,203 |
Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor typically costs between $1,134 and $3,303. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,911 and $5,278 when moving from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,414 up to $7,865.
Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor
If you’re relocating from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor, you’ll typically spend between $723 and $1,727 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,193 up to $2,365. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,591 and $3,209. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Philadelphia to Ann Arbor move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $468 and $831. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $505 to $957. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $624 and $1,203.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor
The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor might be as low as $1,550, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,533.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Philadelphia.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $468 to $1,051 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Philadelphia – roughly 14% less for singles and 14% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $2,541 in Philadelphia. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $6,190.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Philadelphia | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 4.25% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 33% higher in Ann Arbor than in Philadelphia, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 119% higher in Ann Arbor than in Philadelphia.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Ann Arbor and Philadelphia, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Ann Arbor. The cost of living for a single person is 14% less compared to Philadelphia.
- Relocating to Ann Arbor could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 14% lower than in Philadelphia.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 67% lower than Philadelphia, Ann Arbor boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 25% lower in Ann Arbor than Philadelphia, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 38% higher in Michigan than in Pennsylvania. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Philadelphia and Ann Arbor, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Philadelphia than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Ann Arbor
| Philadelphia | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 71 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 92% less than Philadelphia.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia’s score of 9.
- Ann Arbor is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Philadelphia’s 75 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 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 Philadelphia with a score of 31.0 compared to Philadelphia’s 66.09. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 79.18 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Ann Arbor without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Ready to relocate to Tree Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Ann Arbor.
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
Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Ann Arbor. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Ann Arbor include museums and art centers 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: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor?
With many people choosing to move from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Ann Arbor take?
Covering 585 miles, the move from Philadelphia, PA to Ann Arbor, typically takes one to six days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Ann Arbor can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Philadelphia offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Philadelphia offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Philadelphia can handle specialty items for my move to Ann Arbor?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Philadelphia, 53 movers can handle pianos. 41 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of PA, there are 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Philadelphia moving services
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