Des Moines, IA to Louisville, KY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Louisville typically costs $2,400–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 588 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Des Moines to Louisville
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Louisville, KY typically costs $2,400–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 588-mile move from Des Moines to Louisville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,644 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,520 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $4,014 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 18, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Louisville
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Louisville may only cost $1,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,400), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Louisville movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Des Moines to Louisville
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Louisville. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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→KY movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Louisville
Overall, Des Moines and Louisville land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $1,862 in Louisville and $1,891 in Des Moines, while families in Louisville see $4,532 versus $4,380 in Des Moines.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Des Moines | Louisville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,220 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,120 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $242,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $69,771 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,862 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,532 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.0% |
- Rent is about 9% more expensive in Louisville than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 26% steeper in Louisville compared to Des Moines.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 19% greater in Louisville than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Louisville and Des Moines, you likely won't feel a significant change.
- The cost of living for a family between Louisville and Des Moines remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Louisville has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 15%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 14% cheaper in Louisville compared to Des Moines. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 9% less in Kentucky compared to Iowa, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Louisville:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Louisville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $225.63 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $56.73 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $22.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Louisville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Louisville.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Louisville.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Louisville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Louisville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Louisville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Louisville.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Louisville
| Des Moines | Louisville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 782,969 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 91 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 79 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 56.68 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 43.32 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Louisville's population is about 12% greater than Des Moines.
- Louisville's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Louisville is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 91 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 79 out of 100, Louisville 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.
- Louisville's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 56.68 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 56.68% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Louisville is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 43.32 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Louisville is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Louisville move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Kentucky, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Kentucky, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Louisville. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Louisville
With your sights set on City of Beautiful Churches, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Louisville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Butchertown
- Clifton
- Crescent Hill
- Downtown
- The Highlands
- St. Matthews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bonnycastle
- Clifton Heights
- Crescent Hill
- Hayfield Dundee
- Highlands Douglass
Things to do in Louisville
With your move to Kentucky complete, you can dive right into experiencing Louisville. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Louisville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky Derby Museum, Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle), and Muhammad Ali Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Louisville Waterfront Park, Iroquois Park, and Cherokee Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)Louisville Bats (Triple-A East)Louisville City FC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Louisville?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Louisville. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Louisville?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Louisville? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Louisville take?
The 588-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Louisville, KY, takes one to six days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Louisville.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
