($801+) Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tampa, FL, runs anywhere from $801 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,178 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,355 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 $2,094, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,178 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,312 - $4,724, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $801 - $2,315.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tampa, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,739 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 Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL
Moving options from Des Moines to Tampa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,739 - $6,380 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 69% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,355 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,355-mile route from Des Moines to Tampa, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,094 for a studio up to $9,178 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,312 - $4,724 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $801 - $2,315, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,146 - $3,492, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tampa, Florida, costs between $2,094 and $9,178. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,355-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $281 - $1,876, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Tampa. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,094 - $4,847
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,739 - $6,380
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,809 - $9,178
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 Tampa.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Florida. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tampa, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $469 - $4,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $188 - $1,126/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $281 - $2,251 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $938 - $2,814 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,345 - $9,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $703 - $1,335 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $938 - $2,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $750 - $3,283 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $281 - $1,407 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $610 - $1,876 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $281 - $14,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $281 - $3,283+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Tampa?
Professional Movers Association of Florida membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Florida, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Des Moines, IA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tampa, Florida, cost between $1,312 and $4,724. 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 Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,312 - $2,521
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,659 - $3,451
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,343 - $4,724
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Tampa, FL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $657 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $70 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $141 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Florida 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 $1,312. 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 $1,659 - $3,451.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Tampa?
- 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 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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL
Renting a moving truck for the 1,355-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tampa, Florida, costs between $801 and $2,315, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $404 - $462
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Tampa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $801 - $1,516
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $857 - $1,971
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,078 - $2,315
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $801 - $2,315 does not include fuel ($404 - $462), lodging ($141/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Tampa typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
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 $70 and $328.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $141.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $404 and $462 for the 1,355-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 $657 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Tampa?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL
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 Tampa, Florida.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,381 and $2,679.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,146 - $2,160
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,381 - $2,679
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,875 - $3,492
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $657.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $70 and $141 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Tampa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tampa quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Tampa, FL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tampa, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,930/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $372,114 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $71,302/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 53.85/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Tampa, FL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Florida in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 67 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 1,355-mile route.
Our take
The 1,355-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Tampa, FL, costs between $2,094 and $9,178 with full-service movers, $1,312 - $4,724 with a moving container, and $801 - $2,315 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,739 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bloomin' Brands and Sykes Enterprises.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tampa, FL
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Florida also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($404 - $462), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL?
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 $857 - $1,971. 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 Tampa, FL?
Costs on this route range from around $801 to $9,178, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,094 and $9,178, 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 percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.