Des Moines, IA to Lansing, MI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Lansing typically costs $2,300–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 534 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Lansing
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lansing, MI typically costs $2,300–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 534-mile move from Des Moines to Lansing, 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
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,053 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,696 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,366 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 30, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 27, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 11, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Lansing move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,000 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $500 to $1,200, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Lansing movers by type
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Lansing
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Lansing much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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→MI movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Lansing
Many movers find Lansing easier on the wallet than Des Moines - roughly 16% less for singles and 4% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,595 for one person in Lansing versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it's $4,199 compared with $4,380.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Des Moines | Lansing | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $901 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,775 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $148,542 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,729 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,595 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,199 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
- Moving to Lansing from Des Moines won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 23% more affordable in Lansing compared to Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 11% higher in Lansing compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Lansing, as the cost of living for a single person is 16% lower compared to Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Lansing and Des Moines, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- Lansing shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 25%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 14% less in Lansing relative to Des Moines. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes have a close resemblance in Michigan and Iowa, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Lansing:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Lansing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $172.97 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $46.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $31.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Lansing, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Lansing
| Des Moines | Lansing | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 112,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 55 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 48.66 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 51.34 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lansing's population is about 84% less than Des Moines.
- Lansing's public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
- Lansing and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Lansing 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.
- Lansing's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.66 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Lansing is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 51.34 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Lansing is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Lansing move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Lansing. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lansing
Planning your move to Capital City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Lansing.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Okemos
- Haslett
- Waverly
- Edgemont Park
- DeWitt
- Mason
- DeWitt Charter Township
Best neighborhoods for families
- Okemos
- Haslett
- DeWitt
- Waverly
- DeWitt Charter Township
- Holt
Things to do in Lansing
After settling into your new Michigan home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lansing has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Lansing features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Michigan History Center, Impression 5 Science Center, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Woldumar Nature Center, Potter Park Zoo, Hawk Island Park, and River Trail — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Lansing Lugnuts (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Lansing?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Lansing? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Lansing?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Lansing in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Lansing take?
The 534-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Lansing, MI, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lansing.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
