($1,230) Cost to Move From San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA

1. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Des Moines

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,230 and $5,032. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,006 to $6,728 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Francisco to Des Moines typically runs between $5,739 and $10,209.

Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Des Moines

When moving from San Francisco to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,095 and $2,569. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,837 to $3,835. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,718 up to $5,311. 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 California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck in San Francisco is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. 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 $1,054 and $1,929. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,073 and $2,366. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,409 and $3,041.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 65% lower in Des Moines than in San Francisco, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 85% lower in Des Moines than in San Francisco.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 57% less in Des Moines than in San Francisco.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 50% less than in San Francisco.
• Moving to Des Moines could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 50% less than in San Francisco.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 9% higher compared to San Francisco, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 19% lower in Des Moines than in San Francisco. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Des Moines can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 67% lower in Iowa compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Des Moines’s population is about 14% less than San Francisco.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
• Des Moines is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 45 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 out of 100.
• Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 5.0 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 57.8 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.

• 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 moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Iowa 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 Des Moines smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Sherman Hill
• Downtown
• East Village
• North of Grand
• Woodland Heights
• Arbor Peaks
• Chautauqua Park
• Beaverdale
• Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

• Linden Heights
• Waterbury
• Waveland Park
• Westwood
• Salisbury Oaks
• Meredith
• Beaverdale

Things to do in Des Moines

After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines 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, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — 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 Drake Bulldogs game.