Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Laredo typically costs $3,200–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,163 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Laredo
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX typically costs $3,200–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,163-mile move from Des Moines to Laredo, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $8,394 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $9,595 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $2,813 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 27, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Laredo
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,400, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,500.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($900–$2,200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Laredo movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Laredo
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Des Moines to Laredo, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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→TX movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 37 Iowa moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Laredo
Many movers find Laredo easier on the wallet than Des Moines - roughly 7% less for singles and 14% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,756 for one person in Laredo versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it's $3,770 compared with $4,380.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Des Moines | Laredo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,043 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,317 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $210,593 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $58,896 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,756 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $3,770 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 8% higher in Laredo compared to Des Moines; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 9% greater in Laredo than in Des Moines.
- Fortunately, the average income in Laredo and Des Moines is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Laredo. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 7% lower than in Des Moines.
- Choosing to move to Laredo can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 14% less than in Des Moines.
- In Laredo, the unemployment rate is approximately 34% higher than in Des Moines, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 18% in Laredo over Des Moines, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Texas 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 a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Des Moines and Laredo:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $154.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.63 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $1.96 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $67.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $24.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Laredo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Laredo.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Laredo.
- Bread is more expensive in Des Moines than in Laredo.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Laredo.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Laredo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Laredo.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Laredo
| Des Moines | Laredo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 255,205 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 40 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 36.23 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 63.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Laredo's population is about 64% less than Des Moines.
- Laredo's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Laredo is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Both Laredo and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 40), meaning Laredo is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Laredo's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 36.23 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Laredo neighborhoods are safer than 36.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Laredo is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 63.77 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Laredo is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Laredo move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Laredo. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Laredo
Now that you've decided to make the move to The City Under Seven Flags, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Laredo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Hillside Terrace
- Winfield
- Regency Park
- Shiloh Crossing
- North Laredo
Best neighborhoods for families
- E Del Mar Blvd / Fenwick Dr
- Bob Bullock Loop / Sinatra Pky
- Saint John Loop / Saint Michael Dr
- Texas A & M International U / E Saunders St
- Crossview Loop / Crossway Dr
Things to do in Laredo
Once you're settled into your new home in Texas, it's time to get out and discover what Laredo has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Laredo, such as the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Lake Casa Blanca, David B. Barkley Plaza, and City of Laredo Shiloh Trail — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Laredo HeatTecolotes de los Dos Laredos game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Laredo?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Laredo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Laredo?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Laredo, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Laredo take?
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX covers 1,163 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Laredo.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Des Moines?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Des Moines advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Des Moines provide antique moving services. State totals show 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
