($871+) Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $871 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,437 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,399 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 $2,186, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,437 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,245 - $4,362, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $871 - $2,327.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,677 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 Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Phoenix to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,677 - $6,480. Containers cost roughly 34% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,399 miles, expect 3 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,399-mile route from Phoenix to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,186 - $4,811 | $1,245 - $2,396 | $871 - $1,635 | $1,227 - $2,201 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,677 - $6,480 | $1,757 - $3,243 | $869 - $1,887 | $1,378 - $2,786 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,767 - $9,437 | $2,180 - $4,362 | $1,186 - $2,327 | $1,854 - $3,708 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,399-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,186 - $9,437. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $308 - $2,052. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Phoenix and Des Moines. Local movers in Phoenix typically start around $140 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,186 - $4,811
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,677 - $6,480
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,767 - $9,437
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 Phoenix to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Phoenix movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $513 - $5,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $205 - $1,231/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $308 - $2,462 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,026 - $3,078 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,565 - $10,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $768 - $1,460 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Arizona Discount Movers | $1,026 - $2,565 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Beltmann Relocation Group | $821 - $3,591 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $308 - $1,539 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $667 - $2,052 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $308 - $15,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $308 - $3,591+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Phoenix, AZ. 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 Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,245 and $4,362. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Phoenix typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,245 - $2,396
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,243
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,180 - $4,362
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $154 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 $718 in Phoenix, AZ, 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 Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to Iowa 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 $1,245. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,757 - $3,243.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix to Des Moines?
- 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $871 - $2,327 for a rental moving truck on the 1,399-mile route from Phoenix, Arizona, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $457 - $522
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Phoenix to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $871 - $1,635
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $869 - $1,887
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,186 - $2,327
Pro tip: A rental truck from Phoenix to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $871 - $2,327. But once you factor in fuel ($457 - $522), overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $77 and $359.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $154.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $457 and $522 for the 1,399-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $718 for 2 movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix to Des Moines?
- 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 Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to Des Moines, Iowa, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,378 and $2,786.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,227 - $2,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,378 - $2,786
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,854 - $3,708
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $77 - $154 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $718.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Des Moines?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Phoenix to Des Moines. 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: Phoenix, AZ vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Phoenix on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $380,294 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $77,041/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 46.94/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Iowa, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 242 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 1,399-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,399-mile route from Phoenix, AZ, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,186 - $9,437 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,245 - $4,362, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $871 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,677, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Des Moines, IA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($457 - $522), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $154/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA?
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 $869 - $1,887. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $871 to $9,437, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,186 and $9,437, 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 4 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 Phoenix?
Local movers based in Phoenix typically start around $140 as a base rate, plus $85/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 Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.