Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Houston typically costs $2,700–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 933 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Houston
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX typically costs $2,700–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 933-mile move from Des Moines to Houston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $4,384 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,523 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,929 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 31, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 28, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 14, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Houston
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,300, but larger homes can run up to $9,000.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($700–$1,900) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Houston movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Houston
For a stress-free interstate move from Des Moines to Houston, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 IA→TX movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 37 Iowa moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Houston runs about 46% higher for singles and 63% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Houston versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $7,157 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Houston, note that rent can be roughly 35% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 37% higher in Houston than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 19% higher in Houston compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person is 46% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Houston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 63% more than it is in Des Moines.
- Houston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 31% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 18% higher in Houston than in Des Moines. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Texas 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Houston:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Houston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Houston.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Houston.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Houston
| Des Moines | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 49 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 229% greater than Des Moines.
- Houston's public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
- Houston and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Houston's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 63.5 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 36.5 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Houston move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Texas doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Houston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you've chosen HOU as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it's time to see what Houston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Houston offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Houston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Houston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Houston?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Houston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Houston take?
A move of 933 miles from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Houston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
