($1,217) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Olympia

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Olympia typically costs between $1,217 and $4,983. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,291 and $7,289 when moving from Des Moines to Olympia. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Des Moines to Olympia, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,088 up to $10,206.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Olympia

If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Olympia, you’ll typically spend between $1,116 and $2,781 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,971 up to $3,874. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,718 and $5,101. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Olympia

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Des Moines to Olympia move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,002 and $1,989. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,129 to $2,437. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,367 and $2,751.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 65% higher in Olympia than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 165% higher in Olympia than in Des Moines.
• Exciting news here, the average income is about 14% higher in Olympia than in Des Moines, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Olympia, as the cost of living for a single person in Olympia is 31% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
• As you plan your move to Olympia, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 23% more than it is in Des Moines.
• There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Olympia and Des Moines, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
• Sales taxes in Olympia exceed those in Des Moines by 34%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
• Washington 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.

• Olympia’s population is about 92% less than Des Moines.
• Olympia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
• Olympia is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 59 out of 100, Olympia 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.
• Olympia’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 27.95 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Olympia is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 62.25 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Olympia is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, 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 Olympia 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. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• South Capitol
• Downtown
• Bigelow Highlands
• Upper Eastside
• Eastside
• North East
• Bigelow
• South Westside
• Woodfield Estates
• Wellington West

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bigelow Highlands
• Holiday Hills
• Woodfield Estates
• Eastside
• Cain Road
• Indian Creek
• Governor Stevens
• Bigelow
• Carlyon-North
• Wellington West

Things to do in Olympia

Now that you’ve made the move to Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore Olympia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Olympia include museums and art centers like the Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, and Bigelow House Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State 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 game.