($1,232) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ

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 Tempe

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Tempe, you can expect to spend between $1,232 and $5,054. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,704 to $6,413 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Tempe typically runs between $4,814 and $9,529.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Tempe

When moving from Des Moines to Tempe, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $917 and $2,342. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,690 to $3,550. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,364 up to $4,317. 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 Tempe

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Tempe. 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 $829 and $1,667. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $951 and $1,887. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,175 and $2,327.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Tempe, note that rent can be roughly 59% 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 145% higher in Tempe than in Des Moines.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 10% higher in Tempe compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person is 187% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Tempe, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 55% more than it is in Des Moines.
• Tempe experiences an unemployment rate that is about 8% 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 16% higher in Tempe 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.
• Income taxes are 43% lower in Arizona compared to Iowa. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Tempe’s population is about 74% less than Des Moines.
• Tempe’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Tempe is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe 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.
• Tempe’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 42.36 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Tempe and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.64 and 57.8.
• Air quality in Tempe 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Arizona 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 Tempe smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Cyprus Southwest
• Daley Park
• Kyrene-Superstition
• Mitchell Park West
• University Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

• Alta Mira
• Dava-Lakeshore
• Meyer Park
• Sandahl
• Tempe Gardens

Things to do in Tempe

After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it’s time to see what Tempe 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, Tempe offers cultural landmarks like the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago 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 Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.