Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Top local movers for Des Moines to Spokane moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Des Moines that also provides long-distance services to Spokane can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 13 local movers in Des Moines who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Des Moines to Spokane.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 79
DOT #: 1098759
Alternate Names: Mayflower
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Spokane?
Movers in Iowa generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,231 – $4,690 | $970 – $2,408 | $847 – $1,720 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,912 – $6,757 | $1,716 – $3,479 | $896 – $1,968 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,898 – $8,683 | $2,289 – $4,324 | $1,106 – $2,404 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Spokane
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Spokane typically costs between $1,231 and $4,690. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,912 and $6,757 when moving from Des Moines to Spokane. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Des Moines to Spokane, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,898 up to $8,683.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Spokane
If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Spokane, you’ll typically spend between $970 and $2,408 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,716 up to $3,479. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,289 and $4,324. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Spokane
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Des Moines to Spokane move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $847 and $1,720. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $896 to $1,968. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,106 and $2,404.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Des Moines to Spokane
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Des Moines to Spokane might be as low as $2,371, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,859.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Des Moines.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $847 to $2,218 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Spokane
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Spokane runs about 35% higher for singles and 43% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,556 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,270 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Spokane | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,564 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,725 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $375,614 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $60,801 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,556 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,270 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 26% higher in Spokane than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 95% higher in Spokane than in Des Moines.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Spokane and Des Moines, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Spokane, as the cost of living for a single person in Spokane is 35% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Spokane, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 43% more than it is in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Spokane exceeds that of Des Moines by about 12%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Spokane exceed those in Des Moines by 29%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Spokane, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $153.98 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $65.11 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $44.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Spokane, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Spokane.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Spokane.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Spokane.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Spokane.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Spokane.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Spokane.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Spokane
| Des Moines | Spokane | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 593,466 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 52 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 44.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Spokane’s population is about 15% less than Des Moines.
- Spokane’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Spokane is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Spokane is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Spokane’s crime rate is lower than Des Moines with a score of 3.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Spokane neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Spokane is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 44.94 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Spokane is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Spokane move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Spokane without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Spokane
Ready to relocate to Hooptown USA? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Spokane.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Coeur d’Alene
- Spokane Valley
- Airway Heights
- Millwood
- Liberty Lake
- Cheney
- Medical Lake
- Country Homes
- Fairwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Liberty Lake
- Mead
- Country Homes
- Town and Country
- Medical Lake
- Spokane
- Millwood
- Cheney
- Spokane Valley
Things to do in Spokane
Now that you’ve made the move to Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore Spokane. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Spokane include museums and art centers like the Campbell House, Mobius Discovery Center, Jundt Art Gallery, and Avenue West Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Manito Park, Spokane Falls, Riverfront Park, and Centennial Trail, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Spokane Chiefs (Ice hockey)Spokane Indians (Baseball)USL1 Spokane (Soccer) USL League One (men) USL W League (women)Spokane Shadow (Soccer)Spokane SC Shadow (Soccer) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Spokane?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Spokane. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Spokane?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Spokane in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Spokane take?
Covering 1,478 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, typically takes three to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Spokane can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Spokane?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 10 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,299 and 1,464 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
