Chattanooga, TN to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chattanooga to Des Moines typically costs $2,700–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 786 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chattanooga to Des Moines
Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,700–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 786-mile move from Chattanooga to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,467 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,042 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $5,042 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Mar 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 28, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 13, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chattanooga to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,800.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chattanooga, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($600–$1,700) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Best Chattanooga to Des Moines movers by type
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Best professional movers from Chattanooga to Des Moines
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Chattanooga to Des Moines, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 TN→IA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 71 Tennessee moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Des Moines runs about -43% higher for singles and 1% higher for families than Chattanooga.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Des Moines versus $3,300 in Chattanooga; families pay $4,380 compared with $4,350.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chattanooga | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,517 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,138 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $302,565 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,164 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,300 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,350 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- If you're heading to Des Moines from Chattanooga, you'll find that rent is roughly 22% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 36% less in Des Moines than in Chattanooga.
- Fortunately, the average income in Des Moines and Chattanooga is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 43% lower than in Chattanooga.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Des Moines and Chattanooga, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- The unemployment rates of Des Moines and Chattanooga are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes drop 24% in Des Moines compared to Chattanooga, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chattanooga and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Chattanooga | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $160.78 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.00 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.92 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.58 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chattanooga than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chattanooga than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Chattanooga than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Chattanooga than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chattanooga than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chattanooga than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Chattanooga than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Des Moines
| Chattanooga | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 39 |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 46.11 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 286% greater than Chattanooga.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Chattanooga's score of 3.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
- With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Chattanooga, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Chattanooga with a score of 5.0 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Chattanooga with a safety index of 57.8 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Chattanooga it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chattanooga to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Iowa doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you've decided to make the move to Hartford of the West, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
Once you're settled into your new home in Iowa, it's time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Chattanooga to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chattanooga.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chattanooga to Des Moines, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chattanooga to Des Moines take?
Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Des Moines, IA covers 786 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Chattanooga movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Chattanooga?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 2 movers in Chattanooga advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Chattanooga provide antique moving services. State totals show 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
