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Top-rated local movers that handle Des Moines to San Francisco moves
When planning a move from Des Moines to San Francisco, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 13 local movers in Des Moines who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Des Moines to San Francisco.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to San Francisco?
Movers in Iowa charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,217 – $4,983 | $1,095 – $2,728 | $1,033 – $1,929 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,164 – $7,431 | $1,913 – $3,874 | $1,152 – $2,343 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,971 – $10,825 | $2,640 – $5,259 | $1,423 – $2,925 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to San Francisco
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to San Francisco, you can expect to spend between $1,217 and $4,983. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,164 to $7,431 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to San Francisco typically runs between $5,971 and $10,825.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to San Francisco
When moving from Des Moines to San Francisco, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,095 and $2,728. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,913 to $3,874. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,640 up to $5,259. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to San Francisco
Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to San Francisco. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,033 and $1,929. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,152 and $2,343. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,423 and $2,925.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to San Francisco
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,536, but larger homes can run up to $9,977.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,033–$2,565) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to San Francisco
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Francisco runs about 100% higher for singles and 99% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $3,781 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $8,717 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $3,259 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $5,475 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to San Francisco, note that rent can be roughly 183% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 545% higher in San Francisco than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 134% higher in San Francisco compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person is 100% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to San Francisco, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 99% more than it is in Des Moines.
- San Francisco experiences an unemployment rate that is about 8% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 23% higher in San Francisco than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 202% higher in California compared to Iowa. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with San Francisco:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $5.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $125.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $99.96 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in San Francisco, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in San Francisco.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in San Francisco.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in San Francisco.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in San Francisco.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in San Francisco.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Des Moines than in San Francisco.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. San Francisco
| Des Moines | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 808,988 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 99 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 61.41 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 38.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Francisco’s population is about 16% greater than Des Moines.
- San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco 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.
- San Francisco’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 61.41 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 38.59 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to San Francisco move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Francisco smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Francisco
Now that you’ve chosen The Golden Gate City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Marina District
- Mission Bay
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bernal Heights
- Inner Sunset
- Noe Valley
- North Beach
- Presidio Heights
Things to do in San Francisco
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Francisco is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Francisco offers cultural landmarks like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to San Francisco?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to San Francisco are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to San Francisco?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to San Francisco are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to San Francisco take?
A move of 1,795 miles from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in San Francisco is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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