Columbia, SC to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Columbia to Des Moines typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,091 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Columbia to Des Moines
Moving from Columbia, SC to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,091-mile move from Columbia to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $5,840 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,830 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,351 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 28, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 30, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Des Moines move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,300 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Columbia.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $800 to $2,300, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Columbia, SC guide.
Best Columbia to Des Moines movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Columbia to Des Moines
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Columbia to Des Moines much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best SC→IA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 52 South Carolina movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Des Moines
Overall, Columbia and Des Moines land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $1,891 in Des Moines and $1,956 in Columbia, while families in Des Moines see $4,380 versus $4,274 in Columbia.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Columbia | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.4% |
- When relocating from Columbia to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 21% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 13% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Columbia.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 10% lower in Des Moines compared to Columbia.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Des Moines and Columbia is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Columbia, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Columbia by around 13%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 13% less in Des Moines relative to Columbia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Iowa are 37% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbia and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbia than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbia than in Des Moines.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Des Moines
| Columbia | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 39 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 412% greater than Columbia.
- Des Moines's public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbia, making them very similar.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Des Moines's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 5.0 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 57.8 vs Columbia's 48.39.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Columbia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Des Moines move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
Planning your move to Hartford of the West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Columbia to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Des Moines 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 Columbia to Des Moines take?
The 1,091-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Des Moines, IA, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Columbia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbia?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbia, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
