($606+) Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Austin, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $606 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,087 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 928 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,955, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,087 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,154 - $3,861, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $606 - $1,657.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Austin, TX, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,477 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 Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Austin 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 $2,477 - $5,881. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 928 miles, expect 2 to 7 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 928-mile route from Austin to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,955 - $4,689, container $1,154 - $2,160, rental truck $606 - $1,183, freight trailer $988 - $1,869.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,477 - $5,881, container $1,529 - $3,001, rental truck $675 - $1,336, freight trailer $1,222 - $2,309.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,277 - $8,087, container $2,019 - $3,861, rental truck $881 - $1,657, freight trailer $1,552 - $3,029.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA
For the 928-mile move from Austin, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,955 and $8,087. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $337 - $2,244 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Austin generally start around $191 plus $90 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Austin to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,955 - $4,689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,477 - $5,881
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,277 - $8,087
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 Austin 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 Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Austin movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $561 - $5,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Square Cow | $224 - $1,346/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $337 - $2,693 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers | $1,122 - $3,366 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,805 - $11,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $840 - $1,597 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items35% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $1,122 - $2,805 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $898 - $3,927 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $337 - $1,683 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $729 - $2,244 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $337 - $16,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $337 - $3,927+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Austin to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Austin, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Austin, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,154 and $3,861. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Austin typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Austin to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,154 - $2,160
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,529 - $3,001
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,019 - $3,861
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Austin, TX and Des Moines, IA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $785 in Austin, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $84 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $168 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,154. 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 $1,529 - $3,001.
What are the best moving containers Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin:
- Square Cow (4.8/5), 18 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.9/5), 41 years in business
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Austin, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $606 - $1,657 for the 928-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $331 - $379
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Austin daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Austin to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $606 - $1,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $675 - $1,336
- 4+ bedrooms: $881 - $1,657
Pro tip: A rental truck from Austin to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $606 - $1,657. But once you factor in fuel ($331 - $379), overnight lodging ($168/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Austin, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $785.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $331 - $379 for the 928-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $67 and $365, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $168 per night for hotel stops on the 928-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $337 - $505.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Austin 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 Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Austin, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,010 and $2,309.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Austin to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $988 - $1,869
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,222 - $2,309
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,552 - $3,029
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $84 - $168 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Austin, Texas, typically costs $785.
What are the best freight companies from Austin to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Austin to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Austin, TX 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 Austin on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 129 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,765/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $512,969 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $91,461/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 42/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 59.87/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Austin, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas 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 803 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 928-mile route.
Our take
The 928-mile move from Austin, TX, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,955 and $8,087 with full-service movers, $1,154 - $3,861 with a moving container, and $606 - $1,657 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,477 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Austin, TX, to Des Moines, IA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Austin?
Local movers based in Austin typically start around $191 as a base rate, plus $90/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
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.
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 42 and 54 in Austin. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Austin movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Austin handle piano moves, and 35% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.