Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→AL movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa 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 Des Moines to Montgomery

Many movers find Montgomery easier on the wallet than Des Moines - roughly 13% less for singles and 19% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,651 for one person in Montgomery versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it's $3,569 compared with $4,380.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Des Moines	Montgomery
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$1,232
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$1,567
Average home value	$192,347	$140,563
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$49,989
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$1,651
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$3,569
Unemployment rate	5.9%	5.8%
Sales tax	7.0%	10.0%
State income tax	4.4%	5.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Moving to Montgomery from Des Moines won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 27% more affordable in Montgomery compared to Des Moines.
Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 15% lower in Montgomery compared to Des Moines.
You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Montgomery, as the cost of living for a single person is 13% lower compared to Des Moines.
A move to Montgomery can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 19% less than what it costs in Des Moines.
With Montgomery and Des Moines having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
Sales taxes in Montgomery are 43% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
Income taxes in Alabama are 14% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Montgomery:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Montgomery
Basic utilities	$144.82	$180.00
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$50.33
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$3.99
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$1.57
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$16.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$51.49
Gym membership	$66.67	$37.50

Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Montgomery, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Montgomery.
Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Montgomery.
Bread is more expensive in Des Moines than in Montgomery.
A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Montgomery.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Montgomery.
Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Montgomery.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Montgomery

	Des Moines	Montgomery
Population	699,292	200,603
Transportation score	5	2
Walkability score	45	26
Bike friendliness score	39	33
Crime index	5.0	65.25
Safety index	57.8	34.75
Air quality	Good	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Montgomery's population is about 71% less than Des Moines.
Montgomery's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
Montgomery is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
Montgomery has a bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
Montgomery's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 65.25 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
Montgomery is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 34.75 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
Air quality in Montgomery is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Montgomery 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: Alabama’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: Alabama 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 Montgomery. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Montgomery

Planning your move to Cradle of the Confederacy? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Montgomery.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Cloverdale/Idlewild
Old Cloverdale
EastChase
Entertainment District
Midtown

Best neighborhoods for families

Dalraida
Forest Park
Hillwood
McGehee Estates
Pike Road

Things to do in Montgomery

After settling into your new Alabama home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Montgomery has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Montgomery features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Civil Rights Memorial Center, and Alabama Department of Archives and History.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Riverfront Park, Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, Wright Brothers Park, and Alabama Bicentennial Park — 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 Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Montgomery?

Planning your move from Des Moines to Montgomery? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Montgomery?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Montgomery 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 Des Moines to Montgomery take?

The 935-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Montgomery.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.