($760+) Des Moines, IA to New York City, NY Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to NYC, runs anywhere from $768 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,548 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,107 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,209, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,548 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,227 - $4,254, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $768 - $2,156.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to NYC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,624 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Moving options from Des Moines to NYC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,624 - $6,680 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,107-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,107-mile route from Des Moines to NYC, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,209 - $5,331 with full-service movers, $1,227 - $2,408 with a container, $768 - $1,447 with a rental truck, or $1,149 - $2,146 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,624 - $6,680 full-service, $1,613 - $3,353 by container, $814 - $1,720 by rental truck, or $1,341 - $2,552 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,750 - $8,548 full-service, $2,201 - $4,254 by container, $962 - $2,156 by rental truck, or $1,849 - $3,438 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to NYC, New York, costs between $2,209 and $8,548. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,107-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $363 - $2,420, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and NYC. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,209 - $5,331
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,624 - $6,680
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,750 - $8,548
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Des Moines to NYC.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to New York. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New York City, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $605 - $6,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $242 - $1,452/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $363 - $2,904 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,210 - $3,630 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,025 - $12,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $906 - $1,722 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,210 - $3,025 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $968 - $4,235 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $363 - $1,815 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $787 - $2,420 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $363 - $18,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $363 - $4,235+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to NYC?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to NYC, New York, cost between $1,227 and $4,254. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,227 - $2,408
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,201 - $4,254
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $91 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $182 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $847 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your NYC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to New York move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,227. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,613 - $3,353, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to NYC?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Des Moines to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Plan on $768 - $2,156 for a rental moving truck on the 1,107-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to NYC, New York. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $426 - $487
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to NYC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $768 - $1,447
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $814 - $1,720
- 4+ bedrooms: $962 - $2,156
Pro tip: The base rate of $768 - $2,156 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to NYC. Fuel ($426 - $487) , lodging at around $182/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $182 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $79 and $393 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $426 - $487 in fuel for the 1,107-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $847 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to NYC?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to NYC, New York, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,341 and $2,552.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,149 - $2,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,341 - $2,552
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,849 - $3,438
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $91 - $182 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $847.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to NYC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs NYC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in NYC, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | NYC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 172 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $4,340/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $732,100 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $127,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 11.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 10.9% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 88/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 49.17/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New York City, NY to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to New York, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,107-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to NYC, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,209 - $8,548 on the 1,107-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,227 - $4,254 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $768 - $2,156 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,624 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to NYC tend to point to ample economic opportunity and diverse cuisine, though overcrowded and pollution come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include IBM and PepsiCo.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to NYC, NY
How walkable is NYC?
NYC has a walkability score of 88 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 69, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($426 - $487), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $182/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New York?
New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to NYC?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. New York also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
