ann arbor to az

---
title: "Moving from Ann Arbor to Arizona: Costs, Movers & What to Expect"
description: "Top-rated Ann Arbor movers for the Arizona route, real cost breakdowns by home size, and a straight comparison of Ann Arbor vs. Arizona living."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Ann Arbor to Arizona", "Ann Arbor to Arizona movers", "Ann Arbor Arizona moving cost", "Ann Arbor moving companies", "cost to move from Ann Arbor to Arizona", "Ann Arbor long distance movers", "Michigan to Arizona moving"]
---

If you're planning a move from Ann Arbor to [Arizona](/movers/arizona), you're looking at roughly 1,889 miles — and a climate shift that most people either love immediately or need a full summer to appreciate. Swapping [Michigan](/movers/michigan) winters for Arizona desert heat is a trade a lot of people make happily, but the logistics between here and there still need real attention.

Below I've pulled together the top-rated Ann Arbor movers for this specific route, what you'll actually pay depending on how much you're hauling, and a candid look at how life in Arizona stacks up against Ann Arbor. Use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a rough estimate before you start calling around.

## Top Ann Arbor Movers for the Arizona Route

Out of 33 Ann Arbor movers that handle interstate jobs, five consistently rise to the top for long-distance moves heading to Arizona:

1. **Handle With Care Moving** — 4.48 / 5
2. **Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage** — 4.38 / 5
3. **Corrigan Moving Systems** — 4.36 / 5
4. **TWO MEN AND A TRUCK** — 4.38 / 5
5. **Men on the Move** — 4.36 / 5

---

### Handle With Care Moving

**4260 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 | (734) 677-2000**

- 92% positive reviews | 6% negative
- 4.4 / 5 — [Yelp (32 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/handle-with-care-moving-and-delivery-ann-arbor) | [Google (271 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=handle+with+care+ann+arbor#lrd=0x883ca5f582856ab1:0xf37f87528576017b,1,,,) | [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/mi/ann-arbor/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/handle-with-care-moving-delivery-0332-32017607)

The top-rated option out of Ann Arbor for this route. Customers consistently mention efficient crews, careful handling, and pricing that doesn't spring surprises — which matters a lot on a haul this long. Over 92% of 249 reviews are positive. Rare complaints involve occasional damage and friction when trying to resolve claims. 31 years in business; DOT #808976; State license #359936.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage, fragile-only packing, credit cards accepted.

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### Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage

**3438 E Ellsworth Rd, Ste B, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 | (734) 545-5617**

*Also operates as Wondermove.*

- 89% positive reviews | 10% negative
- 4.3 / 5 — [Yelp (114 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/wondermove-ann-arbor-4) | [Google (147 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=Campus-Concepts#lrd=0x883caf96604b0fe7:0x215f84b835218e58,1,,,) | BBB: Grade A+

Nearly 90% positive out of 348 reviews. Campus Concepts earns consistent praise for efficiency, honest pricing, and crews that communicate before problems become problems. Multiple reviewers specifically say this company outperformed other movers they've hired before — that kind of head-to-head comparison is worth noting. Complaints (under 10%) center on occasional damage, late arrivals without notice, and final bills that ran higher than the estimate. 12 years in business; DOT #2582190; State license #36269.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, storage.

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### Corrigan Moving Systems

**3600 East Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 | (734) 973-9393**

*Also operates as Midland Moving & Storage Company and Corrigan United Moving & Storage Company.*

- 92% positive reviews | 8% negative
- 4.3 / 5 — [Yelp (10 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/corrigan-moving-systems-ann-arbor-3) | [Google (70 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=corrigan+moving+ann+arbor#lrd=0x883caf501da54b11:0x6b58358b807db39a,1,,,) | BBB: Grade A

One of the oldest operations on this list at 74 years in business. Professional crews, organized logistics, and responsive office staff come up repeatedly. The main caveat: a subset of complaints involves damage on long-distance moves specifically. If you go with Corrigan, nail down your valuation coverage before they load the truck. DOT #77949; State license #117864.

**Services:** Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage.

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### TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

**125 Dino Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | (734) 418-0575**

- 86% positive reviews | 13% negative
- 4.3 / 5 — [Yelp (44 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/two-men-and-a-truck-ann-arbor-ann-arbor) | [Google (700 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=two+men+and+a+truck+ann+arbor#lrd=0x883cb6cacc7bfe73:0x599a9d2a392d77cd,1,,,) | [BBB: Grade D+](https://www.bbb.org/us/mi/ann-arbor/profile/moving-companies/two-men-and-a-truck-0332-38001686)

The brand recognition is real, and 700+ Google reviews gives you a lot to work with — over 85% are positive. Friendly crews, efficient loading, good communication. The BBB grade of D+ is worth flagging. Recurring complaints include damage, estimates that don't hold, and charges that weren't communicated clearly upfront. I wouldn't rule them out, but get the estimate in writing and confirm exactly what's covered before you sign. 20 years in business; DOT #2527384; State license #33371.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit cards accepted.

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### Men on the Move

**6544 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | (734) 913-9966**

- 87% positive reviews | 14% negative
- 4.3 / 5 — [Yelp (26 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/men-on-the-move-ann-arbor) | [Google (108 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=men+on+the+move+ann+arbor#lrd=0x88234fe1a1b0aee7:0xc457a9124dc593d7,1,,,) | [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/mi/ann-arbor/profile/moving-companies/men-on-the-move-0332-28005076)

29 years in business, A+ BBB rating, and consistent feedback on fast service and reliable pricing. Where it gets murkier: a subset of reviews describes damaged items and charges that ran higher than expected. Not disqualifying, but worth asking pointed questions about valuation coverage before you book. DOT #760250.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, credit cards accepted.

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## What Ann Arbor Movers Offer: Service Breakdown

If you need specialty services, here's a snapshot of what's available across Ann Arbor's moving market:

| Service | Movers Offering It | % of Market |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 27 | 81.82% |
| Small moves | 18 | 54.55% |
| Pianos | 20 | 60.61% |
| Antiques | 7 | 21.21% |
| Art | 6 | 18.18% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 | 12.12% |

16 movers in Ann Arbor offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, and electronics. More on that in the FAQ below.

## Cost to Move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arizona

Here's the breakdown by home size and service type, based on a roughly 1,889-mile haul. These are ranges — your actual quote will vary.

| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,303 – $4,610 | $1,119 – $2,764 | $1,096 – $1,929 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,355 – $7,510 | $1,803 – $3,932 | $1,118 – $2,415 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,968 – $10,848 | $2,648 – $5,397 | $1,353 – $3,015 |

*Estimates based on a 1,889-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI to Arizona. Final quotes will vary based on home size, optional services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and timing. Compare multiple estimates before committing.*

### Cost to Hire Movers from Ann Arbor to Arizona

A studio or one-bedroom runs between $1,303 and $4,610 with a full-service mover. Two to three bedrooms comes in at $3,355 to $7,510, and a large home (four bedrooms or more) lands in the $5,968 to $10,848 range. That's a wide spread — the difference largely comes down to how much you're moving, whether you pack yourself, and how much scheduling flexibility you have.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Ann Arbor to Arizona

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) split the difference: you pack at your own pace, the company handles the drive. For a small load, expect $1,119 to $2,764. Two to three bedrooms typically runs $1,803 to $3,932. A larger home pushes $2,648 to $5,397 on the high end.

### Cost of Rental Trucks from Ann Arbor to Arizona

A [rental truck](/best/truck-rentals) is the cheapest option on paper, but keep this in mind — you're driving 1,889 miles yourself. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,096 to $1,929 including estimated fuel. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,118 to $2,415. A four-bedroom-plus truck rental lands between $1,353 and $3,015.

The savings are real if you're comfortable with the drive. If you've never piloted a loaded 26-foot truck across the Sonoran Desert in July, factor that into your decision.

## Factors That Drive Moving Costs from Ann Arbor to AZ

Three variables move the needle most:

- **Move size:** More stuff means a bigger truck, more labor, and higher weight — all of which increase cost directly. This is the biggest single variable.
- **Time of year:** Summer is peak season. Rates go up June through August, and availability gets tight. If you can move in fall or early spring, you'll usually pay less and have more scheduling flexibility.
- **DIY vs. professional:** [Full-service movers](/best/full-service-movers) cost more, but you're buying real convenience and accountability if something breaks. Going the DIY route saves money but puts everything — loading, driving, unloading — on you. For a nearly 1,900-mile interstate move, that's a meaningful commitment.

## What to Know Before Moving from Ann Arbor to AZ

### Cost of Living: Ann Arbor vs. Arizona

The overall cost of living index in Ann Arbor (106) and Arizona (107) is nearly identical — so don't expect dramatic budget relief from the move itself. That said, some specific line items shift meaningfully.

| | Ann Arbor, MI | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,260 | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $474,909 | $428,711 |
| Per capita income | $66,964 | $72,581 |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 2.5% |

*Ann Arbor sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Arizona sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.*

A few line items worth pulling out:

- **Rent** drops roughly 42% in Arizona. If you're renting, that's real monthly budget flexibility that Ann Arbor just doesn't offer.
- **Home prices** run about 10% lower in Arizona — meaningful if you're buying.
- **Per capita income** runs about 8% higher in Arizona.
- **State income tax** in Arizona (2.5%) is about 41% lower than Michigan's (4.25%). That adds up over a career.
- **Unemployment** is essentially the same in both places — no real difference in job market competition.

### How Life Changes When You Leave Ann Arbor for Arizona

Here's the big-picture comparison beyond the finances:

| | Ann Arbor, MI | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 7,431,344 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 72–26 | Democrat 56–44 |
| Summer high | 83°F | 99°F |
| Winter low | 17°F | 34°F |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 12″ |
| Annual snow | 43″ | 6″ |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 24.89 |

*Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia.*

- **Heat:** Arizona's average summer high of 99°F is a real adjustment from Ann Arbor's 83°F. Budget for air conditioning costs you've never had to think about.
- **Winter:** Arizona winter lows hover around 34°F versus Ann Arbor's 17°F. If Michigan winters were grinding you down, this alone is often the deciding factor for the move.
- **Rain and snow:** You're going from 36 inches of rain to 12, and from 43 inches of snow to 6. No more shoveling. Seriously.
- **Crime:** Arizona's crime index (24.89) actually comes in lower than Ann Arbor's (31.0) — a surprise for people who assume the reverse.
- **Scale:** You're leaving a college town of 124,000 for a state of 7.4 million. Whether that's a feature or a drawback depends entirely on where in Arizona you're headed.

### Other Considerations When Moving to Arizona

Logistics people regularly overlook:

- **HOA rules:** Many Arizona communities have HOAs with specific moving restrictions — permitted hours, elevator reservations, truck size limits. Confirm all of this before you book your crew.
- **Elevator reservations:** If either property has a freight elevator, reserve it early. Most buildings require advance booking and won't make exceptions.
- **Truck parking permits:** Some Arizona municipalities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Check with your destination city ahead of move day.
- **State licensing:** Arizona is relatively unregulated at the state level, but movers still fall under Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures oversight. Verify your mover's license before signing anything.
- **Change of address:** File with USPS at least a week before your move. You can set an official move date on the form so mail forwards automatically from day one.
- **Moving insurance:** Released Value Protection comes standard at no extra charge — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV gets you $15 in reimbursement if it's lost or destroyed. If you're moving anything valuable, ask about Full Value Protection or