Top-rated local movers that handle Des Moines to San Antonio moves
When planning a move from Des Moines to San Antonio, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 13 local movers in Des Moines who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Des Moines to San Antonio.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 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
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 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: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to San Antonio?
Movers in Iowa charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,176 – $5,076 | $809 – $2,031 | $654 – $1,291 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,442 – $5,802 | $1,495 – $3,004 | $720 – $1,549 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,002 – $8,315 | $2,076 – $3,719 | $861 – $1,885 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to San Antonio
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to San Antonio, you can expect to spend between $1,176 and $5,076. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,442 to $5,802 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to San Antonio typically runs between $4,002 and $8,315.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to San Antonio
When moving from Des Moines to San Antonio, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $809 and $2,031. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,495 to $3,004. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,076 up to $3,719. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to San Antonio
Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to San Antonio. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $654 and $1,291. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $720 and $1,549. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $861 and $1,885.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to San Antonio
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,387, but larger homes can run up to $7,090.
- 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 ($654–$1,578) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to San Antonio
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Antonio runs about 16% higher for singles and 13% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,194 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,931 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,471 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,533 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $249,398 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $62,451 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,194 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,931 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to San Antonio, note that rent can be roughly 30% 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 30% higher in San Antonio than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 7% higher in San Antonio compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in San Antonio, since the cost of living for a single person is 16% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to San Antonio, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Antonio is 13% more than it is in Des Moines.
- San Antonio experiences an unemployment rate that is about 36% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 18% higher in San Antonio than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Texas 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with San Antonio:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $208.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $58.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.65 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.01 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $42.93 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in San Antonio, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in San Antonio.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in San Antonio.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in San Antonio.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in San Antonio.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in San Antonio.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in San Antonio.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. San Antonio
| Des Moines | San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 1,434,625 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 45 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 48.06 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 51.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Antonio’s population is about 105% greater than Des Moines.
- San Antonio’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- San Antonio is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 45 out of 100, San Antonio 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.
- San Antonio’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.06 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that San Antonio neighborhoods are safer than 48.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- San Antonio is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 51.94 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in San Antonio is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to San Antonio 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-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Texas 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 San Antonio smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Antonio
Now that you’ve chosen Alamo City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Alamo Heights
- Downtown
- Tobin Hill
- Monte Vista
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alamo Heights
- Great Northwest
- Northwest Crossing
- Oak Park-Northwood
- Terrell Hills
Things to do in San Antonio
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it’s time to see what San Antonio 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, San Antonio offers cultural landmarks like the The Alamo, Witte Museum, The DoSeum – San Antonio’s Museum for Kids, and Briscoe Western Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Brackenridge Park, Phil Hardberger park, Japanese Tea Garden, and Mercado O’liva — 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 UTSA Roadrunners American footballSan Antonio Spurs BasketballSan Antonio MissionsSan Antonio FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to San Antonio?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to San Antonio 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 San Antonio take?
A move of 1,007 miles from Des Moines, IA to San Antonio, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in San Antonio 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 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
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