($1,193) Cost to Move From Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA

1. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Guardian Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
5. Cord Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Memphis to Des Moines

When planning a move to Des Moines from Memphis, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,193 and $3,413. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,157 and $5,308 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,910 to $7,707.

Cost of moving containers from Memphis to Des Moines

When you’re heading from Memphis to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $669 and $1,598. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,257 and $2,395. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,661 to $3,065. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Memphis to Des Moines

A moving rental truck from Memphis to Des Moines 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 $458 to $839. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $480 to $1,057, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Memphis to Des Moines costs around $624 to $1,288.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 11% less expensive in Des Moines than in Memphis, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 34% steeper in Des Moines compared to Memphis.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 22% greater in Des Moines than in Memphis, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Des Moines and Memphis, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
• The cost of living for a family between Des Moines and Memphis remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
• Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate than Memphis by about 26%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 28% cheaper in Des Moines compared to Memphis. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Iowa has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

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

• HOA rules: Costs across Memphis and Des Moines 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Iowa, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, 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 Des Moines. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

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

• Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — 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 Drake Bulldogs game.