Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Tampa typically costs $3,400–$7,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,355 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Tampa
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL typically costs $3,400–$7,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,355-mile move from Des Moines to Tampa, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 23, 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
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,610 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,751 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,058 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 19, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 12, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Tampa
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,500.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,000–$2,600) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tampa, FL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Tampa movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Tampa
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Des Moines to Tampa, 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 IA→FL movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 37 Iowa 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 Des Moines to Tampa
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tampa runs about 71% higher for singles and 85% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $3,232 in Tampa versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $8,108 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 68% higher in Tampa compared to Des Moines; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 93% greater in Tampa than in Des Moines.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 14% higher in Tampa than in Des Moines, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tampa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 71% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Tampa, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 85% greater than in Des Moines.
- Tampa enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 15% lower compared to Des Moines, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 7% in Tampa compared to Des Moines, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Des Moines and Tampa:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Tampa.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Tampa.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Tampa.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Tampa.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Tampa.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Tampa
| Des Moines | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 51 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa's population is about 42% less than Des Moines.
- Tampa's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Tampa is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 51 out of 100, Tampa 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.
- Tampa's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 46.15 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Tampa is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 53.85 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Tampa 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Florida 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 Tampa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tampa
Now that you've decided to make the move to The Big Guava, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tampa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Channel District
- Courier City-Oscawana
- Downtown
- Historic Ybor
- North Hyde Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bayshore Beautiful
- Bayshore Gardens
- Beach Park
- Oakford Park
- Sunset Park
Things to do in Tampa
Once you're settled into your new home in Florida, it's time to get out and discover what Tampa has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tampa, such as the Glazer Children's Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, and Museum of Science and Industry.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park — 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 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Tampa?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Tampa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Tampa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Tampa, 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 Des Moines to Tampa take?
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL covers 1,355 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tampa.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Des Moines?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Des Moines advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Des Moines provide antique moving services. State totals show 24 piano movers and 15 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.
