Santa Ana, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Des Moines typically costs $3,700–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,680 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Des Moines, IA typically costs $3,700–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,680-mile move from Santa Ana 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
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,148 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $8,048 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $5,184 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 21, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 14, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Santa Ana to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Santa Ana to Des Moines might be as low as $2,700, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,900.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Santa Ana.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,200 to $3,100 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Best Santa Ana to Des Moines movers by type
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Best professional movers from Santa Ana to Des Moines
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Santa Ana to Des Moines, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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 CA→IA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Santa Ana - roughly 70% less for singles and 61% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
- Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Santa Ana, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 57% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 77% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 24% lower in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 70% less compared to Santa Ana.
- Relocating to Des Moines could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 61% lower than in Santa Ana.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 16% lower than Santa Ana, Des Moines boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 24% lower in Des Moines than Santa Ana, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 67% lower in Iowa than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Santa Ana and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Des Moines
| Santa Ana | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 39 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 125% greater than Santa Ana.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana's score of 7.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 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 Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 5.0 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 57.8 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Santa Ana it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Des Moines 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Iowa, 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 Des Moines 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. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to Iowa, it's the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, 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 Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines 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 Santa Ana to Des Moines take?
Covering 1,680 miles, the move from Santa Ana, CA to Des Moines, IA typically takes four to 15 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Santa Ana offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 3 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Santa Ana can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Santa Ana, 74 movers can handle pianos. 61 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
