($919+) Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Phoenix, AZ, runs anywhere from $946 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,898 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,400 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,253, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,898 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,400 - $4,670, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $946 - $2,581.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Phoenix, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,040 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ

There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Phoenix: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,040 - $6,833. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 3 to 8 days for this 1,400-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,400-mile route from Des Moines to Phoenix, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,253 - $5,056 $1,400 - $2,590 $946 - $1,759 $1,197 - $2,425
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,040 - $6,833 $1,734 - $3,799 $1,004 - $2,031 $1,445 - $3,010
4+ bedrooms $5,374 - $9,898 $2,577 - $4,670 $1,165 - $2,581 $1,963 - $3,853

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,400-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Phoenix, Arizona, with prices running from $2,253 - $9,898. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $292 - $1,948 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Phoenix are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Phoenix:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,253 - $5,056
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,040 - $6,833
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,374 - $9,898

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 Phoenix.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Phoenix, 85% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$487 - $4,870
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$195 - $1,169/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$292 - $2,338
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$974 - $2,922
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,435 - $9,740
Car shippingSecond vehicle$730 - $1,386
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving$974 - $2,435
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$779 - $3,409
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers$292 - $1,461
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC$633 - $1,948
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$292 - $14,610+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$292 - $3,409+

What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Phoenix?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Arizona Moving Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $1,400 and $4,670. 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 Phoenix:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,400 - $2,590
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,734 - $3,799
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,577 - $4,670

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $73 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $146 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Phoenix, AZ, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $682 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Arizona 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 $1,400. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,734 - $3,799, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Phoenix?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Phoenix, AZ

A rental truck for this 1,400-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Phoenix, Arizona, costs between $946 and $2,581. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $434 - $496
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Phoenix based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $946 - $1,759
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,004 - $2,031
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,165 - $2,581

Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Phoenix looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $946 - $2,581. But once you factor in fuel ($434 - $496) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $682.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $434 - $496 for the 1,400-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $317, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 1,400-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $292 - $438.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Phoenix?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Phoenix, AZ

For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Phoenix, Arizona.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,445 and $3,010.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Phoenix:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $2,425
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,445 - $3,010
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,963 - $3,853

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $682.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Phoenix?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. 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 based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Phoenix. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Phoenix, AZ

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Phoenix, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Des Moines, IA Phoenix, AZ
Cost of living index87113
Average rent$1,150/mo$1,695/mo
Median home value$183,553$380,294
Average income$63,966/yr$77,041/yr
Unemployment rate5.9%6.6%
State income taxUp to 4.4%Up to 2.5%
Walkability score45/10041/100
Safety index57.8/10046.94/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Arizona over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 36 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,400-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Phoenix, AZ, 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 $2,253 - $9,898 on the 1,400-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,400 - $4,670 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $946 - $2,581 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,040 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 Phoenix tend to point to beautiful nature and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though extreme weather and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include the State of Arizona and Walmart, Inc..

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Phoenix, AZ

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($434 - $496), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,004 - $2,031. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ?

Costs on this route range from around $2,253 to $9,898, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,253 and $9,898, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

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 do local movers charge in Des Moines?

Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Phoenix run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

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.