Washington DC, MD to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Des Moines typically costs $2,800–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,016 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Washington DC to Des Moines
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,800–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,016-mile move from Washington DC 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $796 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,465 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,292 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Washington DC to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,300, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($700–$2,000) 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 Washington DC, MD guide.
Best Washington DC to Des Moines movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Des Moines
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Washington DC 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 MD→IA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 51 Maryland 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 Washington DC to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 52% less for singles and 61% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.4% |
- If you're heading to Des Moines from Washington DC, you'll find that rent is roughly 52% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 68% less in Des Moines than in Washington DC.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 42% lower in Des Moines compared to Washington DC.
- 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 52% lower than in Washington DC.
- 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 61% less than in Washington DC.
- Des Moines enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 16% lower compared to Washington DC, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 17% in Des Moines over Washington DC, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 23% less in Iowa than in Maryland. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Washington DC and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Washington DC than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Des Moines
| Washington DC | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 39 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is within about 5% of Washington DC, so they’re very similar in size.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 5.0 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 57.8 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Des Moines take?
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Des Moines, IA covers 1,016 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Washington DC movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
Which movers in Washington DC give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 7 movers give special rates to military members. 14 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 Washington DC?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 59 movers in Washington DC advertise piano moving expertise. 44 movers in Washington DC provide antique moving services. State totals show 37 piano movers and 30 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.
