Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Winston-Salem typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,011 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, NC typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,011-mile move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,071 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,457 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,040 for a 5+ bedroom using a rental truck.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 20, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 29, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Winston-Salem
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,500, 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 Winston-Salem, NC to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Winston-Salem movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Winston-Salem
For a stress-free interstate move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem, 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→NC 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 Winston-Salem
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Winston-Salem runs about 28% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,420 in Winston-Salem versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,265 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,490 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,260 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $248,806 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $62,431 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Winston-Salem, note that rent can be roughly 13% 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 29% higher in Winston-Salem than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 7% higher in Winston-Salem compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Winston-Salem, since the cost of living for a single person is 28% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Winston-Salem, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Winston-Salem is 20% more than it is in Des Moines.
- Winston-Salem experiences an unemployment rate that is about 12% 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 similar in Winston-Salem and Des Moines (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are quite comparable between North Carolina and Iowa, being within a range of about 5%. This similarity helps to maintain steady financial outflows, providing a smooth transition phase.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Winston-Salem:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $188.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $52.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $17.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Winston-Salem
| Des Moines | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 249,545 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 22 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 29 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 32.67 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 67.33 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Winston-Salem's population is about 64% less than Des Moines.
- Winston-Salem's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Winston-Salem is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 22 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Winston-Salem has a bike-friendliness score of 29 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
- Winston-Salem's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 32.67 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Winston-Salem is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 67.33 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Winston-Salem is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Winston-Salem 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Winston-Salem
Now that you've chosen Camel City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West End
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- Old Salem
- Washington Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- West Highlands
- West Salem
Things to do in Winston-Salem
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it's time to see what Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem offers cultural landmarks like the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, and Kaleideum North.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO 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 Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)Wake Forest (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem take?
A move of 1,011 miles from Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, NC generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Winston-Salem 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.
