Des Moines, IA to Newark, NJ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Newark typically costs $2,900–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,098 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Newark
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Newark, NJ typically costs $2,900–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,098-mile move from Des Moines to Newark, 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,836 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,335 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,306 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 21, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 09, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Newark
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,300, but larger homes can run up to $9,000.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($800–$2,200) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Newark movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Newark
For a stress-free interstate move from Des Moines to Newark, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 IA→NJ movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 37 Iowa moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Newark
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Newark runs about 36% higher for singles and 28% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,575 in Newark versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,617 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Newark | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,333 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,300 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $475,797 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $41,335 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,575 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,617 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 13.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.63% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 10.7% |
- As you consider relocating to Newark, note that rent can be roughly 100% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 147% higher in Newark than in Des Moines.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 29% less in Newark than in Des Moines.
- Plan for higher expenses in Newark, since the cost of living for a single person is 36% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Newark, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Newark is 28% more than it is in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Newark is 120% higher compared to Des Moines, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Newark and Des Moines (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 143% higher in New Jersey compared to Iowa. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Newark:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $211.42 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $57.98 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $5.74 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.40 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Newark, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Newark.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Newark.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Newark.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Newark.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Newark.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Newark.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Newark
| Des Moines | Newark | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 304,960 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 76 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 51 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 75.24 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 24.76 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Newark's population is about 56% less than Des Moines.
- Newark's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Newark is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 76 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 51 out of 100, Newark 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.
- Newark's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 75.24 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Newark neighborhoods are safer than 75.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Newark is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 24.76 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Newark is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Newark move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a New Jersey moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While New Jersey doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Newark smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Newark
Now that you've chosen Brick City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Newark to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- North Ironbound
- South Ironbound
- Downtown
- Seventh Avenue
- Upper Roseville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Upper Vailsburg
- Seventh Avenue
- North Ironbound
- Springfield/Belmont
Things to do in Newark
After getting comfortable in your new New Jersey home, it's time to see what Newark is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Newark offers cultural landmarks like the Newark Museum, Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center, Gateways to Newark: Portraits, and The New Jersey Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Branch Brook Park, Military Park, and Weequahic Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an New Jersey Devils (NHL)Metropolitan Riveters (NWHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Newark?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Newark are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Newark?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Newark are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Newark take?
A move of 1,098 miles from Des Moines, IA to Newark, NJ generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Newark is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
