Factors influencing moving costs from Irvine to Ann Arbortoggle

The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Irvine to Ann Arbor can be as low as $1,476 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,515.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Irvine, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,479 to $3,691. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Irvine to Ann Arbor

Irvine Ann Arbor
Average rent cost $4,000 $2,260
Average home value $1,561,760 $474,909
Average income (per capita) $114,027 $66,964
Cost of living (single person) $9,167 $2,176
Cost of living (family of 4) $18,000 $5,344
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.5%
Sales tax 7.75% 6.0%
State income tax 13.3% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Ann Arbor are 44% lower than in Irvine.
  • Home prices in Ann Arbor are 69.6% lower than in Irvine.
  • Income in Ann Arbor is 41.3% lower than in Irvine.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Ann Arbor is 76.3% lower than in Irvine.
  • The cost of living for a family in Ann Arbor is 70.3% lower than in Irvine.
  • The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is 35.19% lower than in Irvine.
  • Sales taxes in Ann Arbor are 22.58% lower than in Irvine.
  • State income taxes in Ann Arbor are 68.05% lower than in Irvine.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $712.12 in Ann Arbor to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.

How life is different in Irvine vs. Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Irvine
Population 123,851 307,670
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 4
Walkability score 52 43
Bike friendliness score 71 69
Crime Index 31.0 31.01
Safety Index 79.18 68.99
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Ann Arbor's population is about 60% less than Irvine.
  • Ann Arbor's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Irvine's higher score of 4.
  • Ann Arbor is more walkable than Irvine with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Irvine's 43 out of 100.
  • With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Irvine, which has a score of 69 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Ann Arbor's crime rate is lower than Irvine with a score of 31.0 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
  • Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Irvine with a safety index of 79.18 vs Irvine's 68.99.
  • Air quality in Ann Arbor is moderate, and in Irvine it's good.

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

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Ann Arbor. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Tree Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Ann Arbor.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Kerrytown
  • Lower Burns Park
  • Old West Side
  • Northside/Lower Town
  • Allen Creek/Old West Side

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Burns Park
  • Eberwhite
  • Water Hill
  • Ann Arbor Hills
  • Dicken

Things to do in Ann Arbortoggle

After settling into your new Michigan home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Ann Arbor has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Ann Arbor is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • 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 Irvine to Ann Arbor?

The best time to move from Irvine to Ann Arbor is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Irvine.

When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Ann Arbor?

Because most people are moving from Irvine to Ann Arbor in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Irvine to Ann Arbor take?

The 2,244-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Ann Arbor, MI, takes six to 17 days. Some Irvine movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Ann Arbor.

Helpful moving resources