($624+) Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $624 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,847 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 940 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,227, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,847 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,129 - $3,927, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $624 - $1,739.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,965 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Billings to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,965 - $7,043 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 54% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 940 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 940-mile route from Billings to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,227 - $5,233 with full-service movers, $1,129 - $1,991 with a container, $624 - $1,180 with a rental truck, or $967 - $1,828 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,965 - $7,043 full-service, $1,366 - $2,737 by container, $680 - $1,348 by rental truck, or $1,208 - $2,282 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,924 - $8,847 full-service, $2,033 - $3,927 by container, $812 - $1,739 by rental truck, or $1,611 - $3,143 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $2,227 and $8,847. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 940-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $275 - $1,836, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Billings and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Billings tend to start around $259 plus $105/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,227 - $5,233
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,965 - $7,043
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,924 - $8,847
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 Billings to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $459 - $4,590 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $184 - $1,102/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $275 - $2,203 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $918 - $2,754 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,295 - $9,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $688 - $1,306 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $918 - $2,295 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $734 - $3,213 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $275 - $1,377 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $597 - $1,836 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $275 - $13,770+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $275 - $3,213+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Billings, MT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,129 and $3,927. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Billings runs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,129 - $1,991
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,366 - $2,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,033 - $3,927
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $69 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $138 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 $643 in Billings, MT, 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 Montana 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 $1,129. 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 $1,366 - $2,737.
What are the best moving containers Billings 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 Billings 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 Billings:
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 940-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $624 and $1,739. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $275 - $314
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Billings daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.89
| 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 Billings to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $624 - $1,180
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $680 - $1,348
- 4+ bedrooms: $812 - $1,739
Pro tip: A rental truck from Billings to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $624 - $1,739. But once you factor in fuel ($275 - $314), overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $69 and $321.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $138.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $275 and $314 for the 940-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $643 for 2 movers in Billings, Montana, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings 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 Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $826 and $2,282.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $967 - $1,828
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,282
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,611 - $3,143
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Billings, Montana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $643.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $69 and $138 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Billings to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Billings. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 95 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 50.37/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Billings, MT guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 1 real quote from Montana to Iowa, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 25 movers licensed in Montana, useful context for sizing up this 940-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Billings, MT, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,227 for a studio to $8,847 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 940-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,129 - $3,927. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $624 - $1,739, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,965 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Des Moines, IA
How much does it cost to move from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $624 to $8,847, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,227 and $8,847, 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.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 35 and 47 in Billings. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($275 - $314), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $138/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Billings, MT 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.
What percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 41% nationally.