($994+) San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA ranges from $1,245 to $9,816, with an average cost of $3,750. Moves can be as low as $994 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,799 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from San Francisco to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,245 - $9,816 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,750, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,799 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,799-mile route from San Francisco to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,245 - $5,102, container $1,558 - $2,971, rental truck $1,035 - $2,013, freight trailer $1,308 - $2,649.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,299 - $6,951, container $1,897 - $4,159, rental truck $1,131 - $2,275, freight trailer $1,549 - $3,327.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,867 - $9,816, container $2,513 - $5,269, rental truck $1,469 - $2,784, freight trailer $2,074 - $4,044.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers for the 1,799-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,245 and $9,816. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $545 - $3,636, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in San Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,245 - $5,102
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,299 - $6,951
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,867 - $9,816
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from San Francisco to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $909 - $9,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $364 - $2,182/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $545 - $4,363 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,818 - $5,454 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,545 - $18,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,362 - $2,587 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,818 - $4,545 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,454 - $6,363 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $545 - $2,727 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationally | $1,182 - $3,636 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $545 - $27,270+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $545 - $6,363+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Francisco, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,558 and $5,269. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Francisco costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,558 - $2,971
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,897 - $4,159
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,513 - $5,269
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $136 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $273 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,273 in San Francisco, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Iowa move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,558. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,897 - $4,159.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Des Moines?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in San Francisco to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in San Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,799-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,035 and $2,784. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,041 - $1,189
- Daily insurance: $55/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $36
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Francisco to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,035 - $2,013
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,131 - $2,275
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,469 - $2,784
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,035 - $2,784 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Francisco to Des Moines. Fuel ($1,041 - $1,189), lodging at around $273/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $273 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $118 and $591 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,041 - $1,189 in fuel for the 1,799-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,273 in San Francisco, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,549 and $3,327.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,308 - $2,649
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,549 - $3,327
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,074 - $4,044
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $136 and $273.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,273.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Francisco to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 87 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,799-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from San Francisco, CA, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,245 - $9,816 on the 1,799-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,558 - $5,269 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,035 - $2,784 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,299 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Des Moines, IA
What is the best time of year to move from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,041 - $1,189), daily insurance ($55/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $36) on top. Overnight stops can add another $273/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,131 - $2,275. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $994 to $9,816, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,245 and $9,816, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.