($1,112) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Memphis

When planning a move to Memphis from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,112 and $3,557. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,137 and $5,479 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,646 to $7,718.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Memphis

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Memphis, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $669 and $1,665. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,231 and $2,493. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,745 to $3,191. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Memphis

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Memphis is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $481 to $890. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $510 to $975, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Memphis costs around $642 to $1,178.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 13% more expensive in Memphis than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 25% cheaper in Memphis than in Des Moines.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 18% less in Memphis than in Des Moines.
• As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Memphis and Des Moines, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
• The cost of living for a family between Memphis and Des Moines remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
• Memphis has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 36%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes in Memphis surpass those in Des Moines by 39%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Memphis’s population is about 9% less than Des Moines.
• Memphis’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Memphis is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• Both Memphis and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 41), meaning Memphis is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Memphis’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 77.49 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Memphis is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 22.51 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Memphis are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Tennessee, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Memphis. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Binghampton
• Cooper-Young
• Crosstown
• Downtown
• Midtown

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bartlett
• Cordova
• East Memphis
• Germantown
• River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral

Things to do in Memphis

With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Memphis. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Memphis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.