Des Moines, IA to Eugene, OR Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Eugene typically costs $3,800–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,808 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Eugene
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Eugene, OR typically costs $3,800–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,808-mile move from Des Moines to Eugene, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,622 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,138 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $4,363 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 01, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Des Moines to Eugene
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Des Moines to Eugene might be as low as $2,600, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,500.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Des Moines.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,200 to $3,400 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Eugene, OR to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Eugene movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Eugene
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Des Moines to Eugene, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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→OR movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Eugene
Overall, Des Moines and Eugene land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $1,814 in Eugene and $1,891 in Des Moines, while families in Eugene see $4,379 versus $4,380 in Des Moines.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Des Moines | Eugene | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,471 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $459,782 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $62,442 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,814 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,379 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 9.9% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 39% higher in Eugene than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 139% higher in Eugene than in Des Moines.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 7% higher in Eugene than in Des Moines, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Eugene and Des Moines, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Eugene and Des Moines, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Eugene exceeds that of Des Moines by about 7%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Eugene has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Des Moines. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 125% higher in Oregon than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Eugene, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $131.06 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.76 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $53.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Des Moines than in Eugene.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Eugene.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Eugene.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Eugene.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Eugene.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Eugene.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Eugene
| Des Moines | Eugene | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 176,654 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 72 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 54.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Eugene's population is about 75% less than Des Moines.
- Eugene's public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
- Eugene and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Eugene 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.
- Eugene's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 6.0 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Eugene neighborhoods are safer than 6.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Eugene is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 54.24 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Eugene is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Eugene move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Oregon moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Oregon, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Eugene without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Eugene
Ready to relocate to Emerald Valley? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Eugene.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West University
- Whiteaker
- Downtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Jefferson Westside
- West Eugene
- Santa Clara
- College Hill
- Southeast Eugene
Things to do in Eugene
Now that you've made the move to Oregon, it's the perfect time to explore Eugene. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Eugene include museums and art centers like the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Oregon Air and Space Museum, and Lane County History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Hendricks Park, Skinner Butte Park, Pre's Trail, and Alton Baker Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Eugene Emeralds (Baseball-Northwest League)Oregon Ducks (Pac-12) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Eugene?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Eugene. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Eugene?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Eugene in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Eugene take?
Covering 1,808 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Eugene, OR typically takes five to 16 days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Eugene can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Eugene?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 10 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
