Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Boise move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Boise can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Boise.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 79
DOT #: 1098759
Alternate Names: Mayflower
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Boise?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,197 – $4,588 | $858 – $2,238 | $780 – $1,522 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,803 – $6,463 | $1,567 – $3,130 | $869 – $1,828 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,541 – $8,846 | $2,105 – $4,163 | $1,028 – $2,231 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Boise
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Boise from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,197 and $4,588. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,803 to $6,463 for the trip from Des Moines to Boise. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,541 and $8,846.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Boise
Moving containers from Des Moines to Boise will cost you $858 to $2,238 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,567 to $3,130. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,105 to $4,163. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Boise
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Boise typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $780 and $1,522 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $869 to $1,828. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,028 to $2,231.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Boise move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,399 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,055 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 $780 to $2,019, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Boise
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Boise runs about 117% higher for singles and 55% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $4,100 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,810 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,579 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,475 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $481,661 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $76,468 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $4,100 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.8% |
- Planning a move to Boise? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 30% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Boise are about 150% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 31% higher in Boise compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Boise, as living costs for a single person are 117% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Boise, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boise is 55% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Boise is about 39% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 14% less in Boise relative to Des Moines. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Idaho are 32% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Boise:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $136.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $49.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.88 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $39.83 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Des Moines than in Boise.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Boise.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Boise.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Boise.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Boise.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Boise.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Boise.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Boise
| Des Moines | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 235,684 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 99 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 34.99 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 65.01 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Boise’s population is about 66% less than Des Moines.
- Boise’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Boise is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, Boise 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.
- Boise’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 34.99 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Boise neighborhoods are safer than 34.99% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Boise is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 65.01 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Boise is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Boise 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: In Idaho, in-state movers are regulated by and must register with the Idaho Transportation Department. In cases of unresolvable disputes with local movers, they may help. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Idaho’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Idaho 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 Boise. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection for minimal coverage, provided by movers at no extra charge. With liability capped at 60 cents per pound per article, consider alternative coverage options from your selected moving company or explore third-party insurance for full value protection.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Boise
Planning your move to City of Trees? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Boise.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Bench
- Downtown Boise
- East End
- North End
- Southeast Boise
Best neighborhoods for families
- Collister
- Depot Bench
- North End
- Southwest Ada
- West Valley
Things to do in Boise
After settling into your new Idaho home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Boise has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Boise features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Idaho State Museum, Boise Art Glass, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, and Discovery Center of Idaho.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Camel’s Back Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, Julia Davis Park, and Barber Park — 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 Boise Hawks (Pioneer League)Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Boise?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Boise? 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 Boise?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Boise 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 Boise take?
The 1,360-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Boise, , typically takes three to eight 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 Boise.
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 2,299 and 1,464 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
