($1,217) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Ontario, CA

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 Ontario

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Ontario, you can expect to spend between $1,217 and $4,925. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,972 to $6,808 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Ontario typically runs between $5,464 and $10,339.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Ontario

When moving from Des Moines to Ontario, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,025 and $2,399. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,921 to $3,727. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,394 up to $4,991. 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 Ontario

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Ontario. 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 $969 and $1,880. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,070 and $2,150. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,270 and $2,548.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Ontario, note that rent can be roughly 128% 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 247% higher in Ontario than in Des Moines.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 23% higher in Ontario compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Ontario, since the cost of living for a single person is 31% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Ontario, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 32% more than it is in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Ontario is 17% higher compared to Des Moines, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 25% higher in Ontario 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.

• Ontario’s population is about 75% less than Des Moines.
• Ontario’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
• Ontario is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 46 out of 100, Ontario 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.
• Ontario’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 50.25 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Ontario neighborhoods are safer than 50.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Ontario is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 49.75 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Ontario is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• 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 Ontario 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown Ontario
• Piemonte
• Ontario Ranch
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Upland

Best neighborhoods for families

• Creekside
• Parkview
• Ontario Ranch
• College Park
• Downtown Ontario

Things to do in Ontario

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Ontario 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, Ontario offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of History and Art, Ontario.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park — 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 Ontario Reign (Hockey)Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate – 2026) game.