($811+) McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $811 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,201 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,241 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,266, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,201 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,274 - $4,544, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $811 - $2,098.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,612 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from McAllen to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,612 - $6,421 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 67% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,241 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,241-mile route from McAllen to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,266 - $4,852, container $1,274 - $2,319, rental truck $811 - $1,535, freight trailer $1,078 - $2,003.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,612 - $6,421, container $1,706 - $3,298, rental truck $861 - $1,702, freight trailer $1,286 - $2,612.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,406 - $8,201, container $2,202 - $4,544, rental truck $1,083 - $2,098, freight trailer $1,779 - $3,496.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,241-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,266 - $8,201. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $241 - $1,608. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between McAllen and Des Moines. Local movers in McAllen typically start around $160 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,266 - $4,852
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,612 - $6,421
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,406 - $8,201
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from McAllen to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing38% of local movers | $402 - $4,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage | $161 - $965/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $241 - $1,930 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers | $804 - $2,412 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,010 - $8,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $602 - $1,144 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (TX) | $804 - $2,010 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Gulf Moving Systems | $643 - $2,814 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $241 - $1,206 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $523 - $1,608 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $241 - $12,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $241 - $2,814+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in McAllen, TX, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,274 and $4,544. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in McAllen costs roughly $55/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,274 - $2,319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,298
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,202 - $4,544
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $60 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $121 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Des Moines, IA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $563 in McAllen, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Iowa move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,274. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,706 - $3,298.
What are the best moving containers McAllen to Des Moines?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in McAllen to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in McAllen:
- PODS Moving & Storage (3.7/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,241 miles from McAllen, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $811 - $2,098. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $317 - $363
- Daily insurance: $24/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $16
- McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from McAllen to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $811 - $1,535
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $861 - $1,702
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,083 - $2,098
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $811 - $2,098 does not include fuel ($317 - $363), lodging ($121/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from McAllen to Des Moines typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $121 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in McAllen, Texas, usually costs about $563 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,241-mile drive falls between $317 and $363, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $40 and $241 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from McAllen, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,286 and $2,612.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,078 - $2,003
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,286 - $2,612
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,779 - $3,496
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in McAllen, Texas, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $563.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $60 and $121 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: McAllen, TX vs Des Moines, IA
McAllen and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 76 in McAllen and 87 in Des Moines, and average rent is $1,350/mo vs. $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 41 vs 45 and safety scores are 63.74 vs 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 803 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,241-mile move.
Our take
For a move from McAllen, TX, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,266 for a studio to $8,201 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,241-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,274 - $4,544. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $811 - $2,098, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,612 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Des Moines, IA
How long does a move from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 63.74 and 36.26 in McAllen. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 41 and 46 in McAllen. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 25% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.