($1,790) Movers From Seattle, WA to Ann Arbor, MI

What to know before moving from Seattle to Ann Arbor

Moving from Seattle to Ann Arbor means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Seattle than in Ann Arbor, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Seattle compares to Ann Arbor so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Ann Arbor are 14% higher than in Seattle, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Ann Arbor.
  Home prices in Ann Arbor are 43.6% lower than in Seattle.
• Income in Ann Arbor is 14.0% lower than in Seattle, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Ann Arbor include University of Michigan, NSK Americas, Inc., and Domino's Pizza.
• The cost of living for a single person in Ann Arbor is 41.8% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Ann Arbor is 45.5% lower than in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is 27.08% lower than in Seattle.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Ann Arbor, since the city’s sales taxes in Ann Arbor are 42.03% lower than in Seattle.
• State income taxes in Ann Arbor are 4.25% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,745.45 in Ann Arbor to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Ann Arbor

• Ann Arbor's population is about 83% less than Seattle.
• Ann Arbor's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
• Ann Arbor is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
• Both Ann Arbor and Seattle have the same bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, meaning Ann Arbor is about as safe for cyclists as Seattle. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Ann Arbor's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 31.0 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
• Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 79.18 vs Seattle's 49.23.
• Air quality in Ann Arbor is moderate, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle vs. Ann Arbor move

• Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Michigan, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Michigan doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Ann Arbor

With your sights set on "Tree Town", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Ann Arbor.

Helpful moving resources