($1,096) Moving from Des Moines to Ann Arbor

Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor costs $445 to $5,295 and takes one-six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 557-mile move yourself.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Des Moines will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Ann Arbor to Des Moines guide.

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The best Des Moines to Ann Arbor moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Ann Arbor is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Ann Arbor.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,096 - $3,319 $681 - $1,689 $438 - $774
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,110 - $5,295 $1,241 - $2,477 $445 - $1,006
4+ bedrooms $3,906 - $7,792 $1,572 - $2,979 $572 - $1,178
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 557 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Ann Arbor

The cost of Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Ann Arbor can be as low as $1,096 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,661.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, 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 $438 to $1,104. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to Ann Arbor?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Ann Arbor will cost between $1,096 to $3,319. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,110 to $5,295, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor will cost from $3,906 to $7,792.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Ann Arbor?

Moving containers from Des Moines to Ann Arbor will cost you $681 to $1,689 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,241 to $2,477. A larger home will cost $1,572 to $2,979.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Ann Arbor?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $438 to $774. A larger move will cost $445 to $1,006, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor costs from $572 to $1,178. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Ann Arbor

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Ann Arbor

Des Moines Ann Arbor
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,260
Average home value $192,347 $474,909
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $66,964
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $2,176
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $5,344
Unemployment rate 5.9% 3.5%
Sales Tax 7.0% 6.0%
State Income Tax 4.4% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Ann Arbor are 97% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Ann Arbor are 146.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Ann Arbor is 14.5% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Ann Arbor is 15.1% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Ann Arbor is 22.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is 40.68% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Ann Arbor are 14.29% lower than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Ann Arbor are 3.41% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,452.14 in Ann Arbor to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines compared to Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor Des Moines
Population 123,851 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 5
Walkability score 52 45
Bike friendliness score 71 39
Crime Index 31.0 5.0
Safety Index 79.18 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Ann Arbor's population is about 82% less than Des Moines.
  • Ann Arbor's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Ann Arbor is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Ann Arbor's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 31.0 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 79.18 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Ann Arbor is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Ann Arbor

  • 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.

Local Des Moines movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395

Visit our best long distance movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Ann Arbor

These are some of the best things to do in your new Michigan home.

  • The Big House
  • Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
  • Willow Bomber Run & Yankee Air Museum
  • Gerald Ford Presidential Library
  • Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • The Ark
  • Kerrytown
  • The Huron River
  • University of Michigan Museum of Art

Get your sports on!

Ann Arbor is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor?

The best time to move from Des Moines 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 Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Ann Arbor?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Ann Arbor take?

The 557-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Ann Arbor, MI, takes one-six days. Some Des Moines 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