($412+) Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tulsa, OK, runs anywhere from $404 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,588 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 460 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,192, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,588 or more.
- Moving containers run $981 - $2,913, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $404 - $1,075.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tulsa, OK. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,117 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 Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
Moving options from Des Moines to Tulsa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,117 - $5,136 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 460 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 460-mile route from Des Moines to Tulsa, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,192 - $3,825 | $981 - $1,717 | $404 - $738 | $831 - $1,624 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,117 - $5,136 | $1,268 - $2,369 | $461 - $894 | $1,014 - $1,895 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,588 - $7,588 | $1,586 - $2,913 | $531 - $1,075 | $1,335 - $2,528 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 460-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, with prices running from $1,192 - $7,588. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $259 - $1,724 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Tulsa are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Tulsa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,192 - $3,825
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,117 - $5,136
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,588 - $7,588
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 Des Moines to Tulsa.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Oklahoma. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tulsa, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $431 - $4,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $172 - $1,034/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $259 - $2,069 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $862 - $2,586 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,155 - $8,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $646 - $1,227 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $862 - $2,155 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $690 - $3,017 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $259 - $1,293 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $560 - $1,724 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $259 - $12,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $259 - $3,017+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Tulsa?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Oklahoma Trucking Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Tulsa with a local mover averages $2,222 - $5,392. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Des Moines, IA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 251 customers, 91.6% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, cost between $981 and $2,913. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Tulsa. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Tulsa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $981 - $1,717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,268 - $2,369
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,586 - $2,913
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $603, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $65 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $129 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Tulsa, OK, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Oklahoma 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 $981. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,268 - $2,369, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Tulsa?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
A rental truck for this 460-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, costs between $404 and $1,075. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $126 - $144
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Tulsa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $404 - $738
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $461 - $894
- 4+ bedrooms: $531 - $1,075
Pro tip: The base rate of $404 - $1,075 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Tulsa. Fuel ($126 - $144) , lodging at around $129/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $126 - $144 for the 460-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $603.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 460-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $129 per night, adding $259 - $388 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $43 and $259.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Tulsa?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, 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 Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,014 and $1,895.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Tulsa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $831 - $1,624
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,014 - $1,895
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,335 - $2,528
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $603.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $65 - $129 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 Des Moines to Tulsa?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tulsa quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Tulsa, OK
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Tulsa to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 85. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $1,199/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 39. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 48.06.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Oklahoma, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 460-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tulsa, OK, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,192 for a studio to $7,588 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 460-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $981 - $2,913. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $404 - $1,075, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,117 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Imperial and Hilti.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tulsa, OK
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK?
Costs on this route range from around $1,192 to $7,588, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,192 and $7,588, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Tulsa?
Tulsa has a walkability score of 39 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($126 - $144), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $129/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, in-state household goods movers are certified and licensed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC).
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
