($1,277) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Seattle

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Seattle, you can expect to spend between $1,277 and $4,738. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,016 to $6,691 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Seattle typically runs between $5,567 and $10,436.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Seattle

When moving from Des Moines to Seattle, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,118 and $2,497. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,880 to $3,960. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,646 up to $5,317. 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 Seattle

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Seattle. 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 $1,031 and $1,964. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,083 and $2,220. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,352 and $2,717.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Seattle, note that rent can be roughly 72% 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 338% higher in Seattle than in Des Moines.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 33% higher in Seattle compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person is 98% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Seattle, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 124% more than it is in Des Moines.
• Seattle experiences an unemployment rate that is about 19% 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 48% higher in Seattle 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.
• Washington 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.

• Seattle’s population is within about 5% of Des Moines, so they’re very similar in size.
• Seattle’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Seattle is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle 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.
• Seattle’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 58.88 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Seattle is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 49.23 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Washington 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 Seattle smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Ballard
• Capitol Hill
• Fremont
• Lower Queen Anne
• South Lake Union

Best neighborhoods for families

• Greenwood
• Laurelhurst
• Magnolia
• Upper Queen Anne
• West Seattle

Things to do in Seattle

After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it’s time to see what Seattle 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, Seattle offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek 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 Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.