($724+) Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $724 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,891 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,105 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,961, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,891 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,169 - $3,972, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $724 - $1,898.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,306 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Jersey City to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,306 - $5,412. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 65% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,105 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,105-mile route from Jersey City to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,961 for a studio up to $7,891 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,169 - $3,972 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $724 - $1,898, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,084 - $3,340, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers for the 1,105-mile relocation from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,961 and $7,891. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $356 - $2,376, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Jersey City typically charge a base rate around $256 plus $139 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,961 - $4,412
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,306 - $5,412
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,052 - $7,891
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Jersey City to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $594 - $5,940 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $238 - $1,426/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $356 - $2,851 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,188 - $3,564 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,970 - $11,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $890 - $1,691 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,188 - $2,970 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $950 - $4,158 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $356 - $1,782 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $772 - $2,376 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $356 - $17,820+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $356 - $4,158+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Jersey City, NJ. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,169 and $3,972. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Jersey City typically runs around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,169 - $2,139
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,138 - $3,972
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $89 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $178 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Des Moines, IA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $832 in Jersey City, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to Iowa move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,169. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,613 - $3,224.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City to Des Moines?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Jersey City to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $724 - $1,898 for a rental moving truck on the 1,105-mile route from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $418 - $477
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Jersey City to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $724 - $1,338
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $798 - $1,511
- 4+ bedrooms: $955 - $1,898
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Jersey City to Des Moines starts at $724 - $1,898, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($418 - $477), overnight lodging ($178/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $178 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $77 and $386 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $418 - $477 in fuel for the 1,105-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $832 in Jersey City, New Jersey, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Jersey City, New Jersey, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,241 and $2,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $2,044
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,241 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,744 - $3,340
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Jersey City, New Jersey, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $832.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $89 - $178 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Jersey City, NJ vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 315 movers based in New Jersey, handy for sizing up options on this 1,105-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,105-mile route from Jersey City, NJ, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,961 - $7,891 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,169 - $3,972, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $724 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,306, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Des Moines, IA
What is the best time of year to move from Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 56.79 and 43.21 in Jersey City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 87 and 64 in Jersey City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.