Des Moines, IA to Baltimore, MD Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Baltimore typically costs $2,900–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,020 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Baltimore
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Baltimore, MD typically costs $2,900–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,020-mile move from Des Moines to Baltimore, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,515 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $2,799 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,621 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 16, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Baltimore
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Baltimore may only cost $2,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,200.
- 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 ($700–$2,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Baltimore, MD to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Baltimore movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Baltimore
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Baltimore. 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→MD 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 Baltimore
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Baltimore runs about 18% higher for singles and 16% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,223 in Baltimore versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,088 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,892 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,333 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $180,790 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $58,349 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,223 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,088 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 39% more expensive in Baltimore than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 6% cheaper in Baltimore than in Des Moines.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Baltimore and Des Moines are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Baltimore, with the cost of living for a single person being 18% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Baltimore, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 16% higher than in Des Moines.
- Baltimore has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 34%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 14% cheaper in Baltimore compared to Des Moines. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 31% more in Maryland than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Baltimore:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $181.61 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $56.81 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.34 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $57.63 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Baltimore, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Baltimore
| Des Moines | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 585,708 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 64 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 53 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 72.72 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 27.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Baltimore's population is about 16% less than Des Moines.
- Baltimore's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Baltimore is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 64 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 53 out of 100, Baltimore 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.
- Baltimore's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 72.72 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Baltimore is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 27.28 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Baltimore is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Baltimore 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Maryland, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maryland, 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 Baltimore. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Baltimore
With your sights set on America's Comeback Cit, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Baltimore.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Federal Hill
- Fells Point
- Mid-Town Belvedere
- Mount Vernon
- South Baltimore
Best neighborhoods for families
- Catonsville
- Mount Washington
- Pikesville
- Roland Park
- Towson
Things to do in Baltimore
With your move to Maryland complete, you can dive right into experiencing Baltimore. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Baltimore is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, and B&O Railroad Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin 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 Baltimore Orioles (MLB)Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Baltimore?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Baltimore? 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 Baltimore take?
The 1,020-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Baltimore, MD, takes two to eight 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 Baltimore.
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.
