Des Moines, IA to Lafayette, LA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Lafayette typically costs $3,000–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 958 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Lafayette
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lafayette, LA typically costs $3,000–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 958-mile move from Des Moines to Lafayette, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 23, 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,542 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,437 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,704 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 13, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 18, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 13, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Lafayette move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,700 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 $700 to $2,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Lafayette movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Lafayette
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Lafayette 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→LA 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 Lafayette
Many movers find Lafayette easier on the wallet than Des Moines - roughly 6% less for singles and 4% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,785 for one person in Lafayette versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it's $4,208 compared with $4,380.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Des Moines | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,725 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $59,490 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.45% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
- Planning a move to Lafayette? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 146% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Lafayette are about 11% higher than those in Des Moines.
- In terms of average income, Lafayette and Des Moines are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Lafayette, as the cost of living for a single person is 6% lower compared to Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Lafayette and Des Moines, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- With Lafayette and Des Moines having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes in Lafayette are 35% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes have a close resemblance in Louisiana 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 Lafayette:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.99 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $76.11 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $61.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Lafayette, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Lafayette.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Lafayette.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Lafayette.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Lafayette.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Lafayette.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Lafayette.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Lafayette
| Des Moines | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 121,374 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 47 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 45.75 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 54.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lafayette's population is about 83% less than Des Moines.
- Lafayette's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Lafayette is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette 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.
- Lafayette's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 45.75 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Lafayette is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 54.25 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Lafayette 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: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Louisiana’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Louisiana 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 Lafayette. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lafayette
Planning your move to The Hub City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Lafayette.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
After settling into your new Louisiana home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lafayette has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Lafayette features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Lafayette Science Museum, Acadian Cultural Center, Children's Museum of Acadiana, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — 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 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Lafayette?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Lafayette? 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 Lafayette?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Lafayette 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 Lafayette take?
The 958-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Lafayette, LA, typically takes two to seven 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 Lafayette.
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 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
