Des Moines, IA to Orlando, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Orlando typically costs $3,200–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,338 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Orlando
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Orlando, FL typically costs $3,200–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,338-mile move from Des Moines to Orlando, 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
- United Van Lines recently quoted $8,565 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,266 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,250 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 10, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 06, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 20, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 09, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Orlando
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Orlando may only cost $2,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($900–$2,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Orlando, FL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Orlando movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Orlando
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Orlando. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Orlando
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Orlando runs about 52% higher for singles and 60% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,877 in Orlando versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $7,012 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Orlando | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,716 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,872 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $377,005 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $58,968 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,877 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $7,012 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 69% more expensive in Orlando than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 96% steeper in Orlando compared to Des Moines.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Orlando and Des Moines are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Orlando, with the cost of living for a single person being 52% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Orlando, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 60% higher than in Des Moines.
- Orlando and Des Moines have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes are 7% cheaper in Orlando compared to Des Moines. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- 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 the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Orlando:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $202.39 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $69.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $37.83 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Orlando, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Orlando.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Orlando.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Orlando.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Orlando.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Orlando.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Orlando.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Orlando
| Des Moines | Orlando | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 307,573 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 57 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 49.57 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 50.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Orlando's population is about 56% less than Des Moines.
- Orlando's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Orlando is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 57 out of 100, Orlando 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.
- Orlando's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 49.57 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Orlando neighborhoods are safer than 49.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Orlando is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 50.43 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Orlando is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Orlando move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Florida, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Orlando. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Orlando
With your sights set on The City Beautiful, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Orlando.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Baldwin Park
- Central Business District
- College Park
- Park Lake-Highland
- South Eola
Best neighborhoods for families
- Baldwin Park
- Celebration
- College Park
- Oviedo
- Winter Garden
Things to do in Orlando
With your move to Florida complete, you can dive right into experiencing Orlando. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Orlando is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Madame Tussauds Orlando, Orlando Science Center, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition (Orlando), and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Lake Eola Park, Mako, Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, and Moss Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Orlando City SC (MLS)Orlando Magic (NBA)Orlando Pride (NWSL)Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL)Orlando Predators (NAL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Orlando?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Orlando. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Orlando?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Orlando? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Orlando take?
The 1,338-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Orlando, FL, takes three to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Orlando.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
