McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Des Moines typically costs $3,000–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,241 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Des Moines
Moving from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA typically costs $3,000–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,241-mile move from McAllen to Des Moines, 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
- American Van Lines recently quoted $5,329 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $8,146 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,749 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 27, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 12, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 01, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 30, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from McAllen to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in McAllen, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($900–$2,300) 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 McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Des Moines movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Des Moines
If you want to simplify your interstate move from McAllen 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 TX→IA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 291 Texas 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 McAllen to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Des Moines runs about 30% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Des Moines versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $4,380 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- If you're heading to Des Moines from McAllen, you'll find that rent is roughly 15% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 13% less in Des Moines than in McAllen.
- Fortunately, the average income in Des Moines and McAllen is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Des Moines, since the cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 30% higher than in McAllen. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Des Moines, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 23% greater than in McAllen.
- Des Moines enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 25% lower compared to McAllen, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 15% in Des Moines compared to McAllen, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Texas 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.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between McAllen and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in McAllen than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in McAllen than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in McAllen than in Des Moines.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Des Moines
| McAllen | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 39 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 392% greater than McAllen.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
- Des Moines is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 45 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as McAllen, which has a score of 46.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than McAllen with a score of 5.0 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 57.8 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen 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 McAllen to Des Moines?
The best time to move from McAllen 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 McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from McAllen 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 McAllen to Des Moines take?
Moving from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA covers 1,241 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some McAllen movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
Who can move pianos or antiques in McAllen?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in McAllen advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in McAllen provide antique moving services. State totals show 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
