Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines typically costs $2,400–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 585 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines
Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,400–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 585-mile move from Cincinnati to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- United Van Lines recently quoted $2,387 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,248 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,759 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Mar 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 23, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 30, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 14, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Cincinnati to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,300.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Cincinnati, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($500–$1,400) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH guide.
Best Cincinnati to Des Moines movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Cincinnati to Des Moines
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Cincinnati to Des Moines, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 OH→IA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 100 Ohio moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Cincinnati - roughly 23% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,467 in Cincinnati. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $6,418.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cincinnati | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.4% |
- If you're heading to Des Moines from Cincinnati, you'll find that rent is roughly 21% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 17% less in Des Moines than in Cincinnati.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 11% lower in Des Moines compared to Cincinnati.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 23% lower than in Cincinnati.
- Choosing to move to Des Moines can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32% less than in Cincinnati.
- In Des Moines, the unemployment rate is approximately 20% higher than in Cincinnati, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 8% in Des Moines over Cincinnati, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 26% higher in Iowa than in Ohio, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Cincinnati and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Des Moines, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Des Moines
| Cincinnati | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 39 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 126% greater than Cincinnati.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Cincinnati's score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Cincinnati's 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati, which has a score of 36 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Cincinnati with a score of 5.0 compared to Cincinnati's 48.47. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Cincinnati with a safety index of 57.8 vs Cincinnati's 49.53.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Cincinnati it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Iowa doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you've decided to make the move to Hartford of the West, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in Iowa, it's time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Cincinnati.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Cincinnati to Des Moines take?
Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA covers 585 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Cincinnati movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
Which movers in Cincinnati give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Cincinnati?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 3 movers in Cincinnati advertise piano moving expertise. State totals show 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
