($594+) Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $594 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,645 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 779 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,649, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,645 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,084 - $3,498, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $594 - $1,548.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,417 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 Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Pittsburgh to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,417 - $5,918 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 779-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 779-mile route from Pittsburgh to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,649 - $4,362 with full-service movers, $1,084 - $2,057 with a container, $594 - $1,140 with a rental truck, or $956 - $1,906 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,417 - $5,918 full-service, $1,451 - $2,937 by container, $617 - $1,263 by rental truck, or $1,115 - $2,349 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,896 - $7,645 full-service, $1,888 - $3,498 by container, $756 - $1,548 by rental truck, or $1,525 - $2,857 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,649 and $7,645. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 779-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $270 - $1,800, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Pittsburgh and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Pittsburgh tend to start around $185 plus $75/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Pittsburgh to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,649 - $4,362
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,417 - $5,918
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,896 - $7,645
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 Pittsburgh to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 73% of Pittsburgh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing91% of local movers | $450 - $4,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready73% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $180 - $1,080/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $270 - $2,160 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $900 - $2,700 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,250 - $9,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $674 - $1,281 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $900 - $2,250 |
| Piano | Any piano type73% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $720 - $3,150 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $270 - $1,350 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $585 - $1,800 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $270 - $13,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $270 - $3,150+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Pittsburgh to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Pittsburgh, PA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,084 and $3,498. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Pittsburgh typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Pittsburgh to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $2,057
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,451 - $2,937
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,888 - $3,498
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $630 in Pittsburgh, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $68 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $135 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania 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 $1,084. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,451 - $2,937, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh:
- South Hills Movers (4.1/5), 96 years in business
- Diversity Moving Company (4.9/5), 16 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, 25 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $594 - $1,548 for the 779-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $223 - $255
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Pittsburgh daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.99
| 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 Pittsburgh to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $594 - $1,140
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $617 - $1,263
- 4+ bedrooms: $756 - $1,548
Pro tip: The base rate of $594 - $1,548 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Pittsburgh to Des Moines. Fuel ($223 - $255) , lodging at around $135/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $135 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, usually costs about $630 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 779-mile drive falls between $223 and $255, 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 $45 and $270 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,115 and $2,349.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Pittsburgh to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,115 - $2,349
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,525 - $2,857
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $630.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $68 - $135 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Pittsburgh to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Pitt Ohio (4.5/5 stars): Pitt Ohio is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Pittsburgh to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Pittsburgh. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 92 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 62/100 and 62.26/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 106 movers in our Pennsylvania network to compare for this 779-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 779-mile route from Pittsburgh, PA, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,649 - $7,645 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,084 - $3,498, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $594 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,417, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Des Moines, IA
How long does a move from Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Pittsburgh?
Local movers based in Pittsburgh typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Pittsburgh, PA 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.
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,649 to $7,645, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,649 and $7,645, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 62 and 55 in Pittsburgh. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Pittsburgh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 73% of movers in Pittsburgh handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
