Real cost estimates, top Ann Arbor mover picks, and a straight look at what changes when you trade Michigan for Illinois. Pricing updated January 2026.
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If you're moving from Ann Arbor to Illinois, you're giving up one of Michigan's most livable mid-sized cities — walkable neighborhoods, a strong university economy, solid local culture — for something bigger and, in most cases, meaningfully cheaper. Housing in Illinois runs about 48% less than Ann Arbor. The cost of living index is roughly 15% lower. If you've been squeezed by Ann Arbor's prices, this move could actually make your budget breathe.
The route covers about 368 miles, mostly west across the state line. Depending on what you're moving and how you move it, the cost ranges from under $400 to over $6,000. This guide breaks all of that down — movers, containers, rental trucks — plus what to know before you show up in Illinois.
Out of 33 Ann Arbor movers equipped to handle interstate moves, here are the five with the strongest track records for this route.
4260 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 | (734) 677-2000
92% positive | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: Grade A+
Thirty-one years in business is a signal worth paying attention to. Across 249 reviews, Handle With Care holds a 92% positive rate — customers consistently call out efficient crews, upfront pricing, and moves that arrive intact. Negative feedback is sparse, and when it appears, it centers on occasional item damage and trouble getting complaints resolved after the fact.
State license: 359936 | DOT: 808976 | In business: 31 years
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage, fragile-only packing, credit cards accepted.
3438 E Ellsworth Rd, Ste B, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 | (734) 545-5617
89% positive | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: Grade A+
Also operating as Wondermove, this company has 12 years in the business and 348 reviews to back it up — 89% positive. Clients highlight fair and transparent pricing, capable crews who work efficiently even under difficult conditions (snowstorms, tight timelines), and no surprise charges at the end. The roughly 10% negative feedback involves damaged items, late arrivals without communication, and final costs that exceeded estimates. Worth getting a detailed written quote.
State license: 36269 | DOT: 2582190 | In business: 12 years
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, storage.
3600 East Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 | (734) 973-9393
92% positive | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: Grade A
Seventy-four years in operation and a 92% positive rate across 25 analyzed reviews. Corrigan earns consistent marks for organized, professional crews and clear communication. The complaints worth noting: damage claims on interstate moves and slow claims resolution. Before you book, ask specifically how they handle damage disputes on long hauls — it's a question worth asking any mover, but especially relevant here given the pattern in feedback.
State license: 117864 | DOT: 77949 | In business: 74 years
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage.
125 Dino Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | (734) 418-0575
86% positive | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: Grade D+
Over 700 Google reviews with an 86% positive rate is solid volume. Customers regularly praise speed, friendliness, and upfront communication. That said, the BBB grade (D+) for this location isn't something to gloss over, and about 12% of reviews flag damaged belongings and estimates that climbed after the fact. If you use them, get a binding estimate in writing and confirm their damage resolution process before signing anything.
State license: 33371 | DOT: 2527384 | In business: 20 years
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit cards accepted.
6544 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | (734) 913-9966
87% positive | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: Grade A+
Twenty-nine years in business, an A+ from the BBB, and 87% positive across 111 reviews. Clients praise fast, careful crews and pricing that matches the quote. The minority of negative feedback — damaged items, unexpected charges, occasional unprofessional behavior — is infrequent but specific enough to mention. Get a written estimate before you commit.
DOT: 760250 | In business: 29 years
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, credit cards accepted.
Here's how specialty service availability breaks down across Ann Arbor movers:
| Service | # of Movers | % Available |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 27 | 81.82% |
| Small moves | 18 | 54.55% |
| Antiques | 7 | 21.21% |
| Art | 6 | 18.18% |
| Pianos | 20 | 60.61% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 | 12.12% |
If you're moving a piano, artwork, or fragile antiques, confirm with your specific mover before booking — don't assume the capability is there.
These ranges reflect a 368-mile move and use pricing data compiled as of January 2026. Use the table as a baseline when you estimate your move — your actual cost will shift based on home size, add-on services, access at pickup or delivery, fuel prices, and time of year.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $957 – $3,129 | $612 – $1,379 | $334 – $622 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,752 – $4,909 | $1,109 – $1,994 | $342 – $695 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,672 – $6,254 | $1,368 – $2,511 | $436 – $823 |
A studio or one-bedroom runs $957 to $3,129 with a full-service mover. Two or three bedrooms come in at $1,752 to $4,909. A larger four-plus bedroom home typically lands between $2,672 and $6,254.
That's a wide spread, and it's not arbitrary — packing services, specialty items, difficult building access, and whether you lock in a binding estimate all move the number significantly. Get quotes from at least three companies before you commit. For any long-distance move across state lines, verify FMCSA registration and ask for a written binding or not-to-exceed estimate from every mover you're considering.
Moving containers give you flexibility — you pack on your timeline, they handle transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $612 to $1,379. A two- to three-bedroom move runs $1,109 to $1,994. Four bedrooms and up comes in at $1,368 to $2,511.
The trade-off is real: all loading and unloading is on you. If your schedule allows a slower pack-out, containers can be a smart option. If you're up against a hard deadline, full-service movers may be worth the premium.
Rental trucks are cheapest on paper — $334 to $622 for a studio, $342 to $695 for two to three bedrooms, $436 to $823 for larger homes. Those figures factor in average fuel costs for the route.
The honest accounting: you're also spending a full day or more loading, driving 368 miles, and unloading. For most people, the cost savings don't hold up once you add in physical effort and the risks of driving a large vehicle long distance. It makes more sense for small moves or if you genuinely enjoy the DIY approach.
Three variables shape most of the cost variation on this route:
Ann Arbor ranks among the pricier places to live in Michigan. If the cost of housing has been wearing on you, this move might actually improve your financial picture — depending on where in Illinois you land, meaningfully so. Here's what the data looks like.
| Ann Arbor, MI | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,260 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $474,909 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
What those numbers actually mean:
| Ann Arbor, MI | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (72–26) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 83°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 17°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 43″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, AirNow
A few things worth flagging:
These are the logistics people tend to overlook until they're standing in a parking lot with a moving truck:
If Illinois is new territory for you, there's a lot to explore — especially if Chicago is part of the equation.
Most moves on this route take one to four days depending on the service type and company. Summer moves — June through August — are the most prone to delays. Ask for a specific delivery window before booking, not just a vague "a few business days" answer. Nailing this down upfront saves a lot of frustration later.
Sixteen movers in Ann Arbor offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items — art, antiques, electronics. If you have anything in that category, confirm with your mover before booking that they can handle your specific items. Don't assume it's covered because they offer crating generally.
Use an FMCSA-licensed auto transport company with solid reviews specifically for this route. Get at least two quotes and confirm whether transport is open or enclosed — enclosed costs more but protects against road debris and weather damage. Check that the carrier's insurance covers the full value of your vehicle.
The main pull is Chicago — one of the country's largest job markets — combined with meaningfully lower housing costs compared to Ann Arbor. For people who've been paying Ann Arbor prices on a Michigan salary, the combination of cheaper rent and higher statewide average incomes in Illinois can add up to a real financial shift.
Start with the five companies listed in this guide. For a broader comparison of vetted interstate carriers, the best long-distance movers guide covers what to look for and who consistently performs on routes like this one.
Five movers in Ann Arbor accept cash. It's not the industry standard — most movers prefer traceable payment methods, and frankly, so should you. If you do pay cash, get a receipt for everything. The standard structure is a deposit to hold your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact payment schedule and accepted methods before you commit to any company.
Use the MoveFinders cost calculator to get a baseline estimate before your first call to movers.
