($686+) Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $707 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,076 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,496, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,076 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,254 - $4,067, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $707 - $1,836.
- 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 $3,197 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed over 796 quotes from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors.
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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,197 - $7,825 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading.
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 $2,496 - $6,364 with full-service movers, $1,254 - $2,279 with a container, $707 - $1,351 with a rental truck, or $1,141 - $2,029 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,197 - $7,825 full-service, $1,679 - $3,198 by container, $740 - $1,654 by rental truck, or $1,251 - $2,742 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,203 - $11,076 full-service, $2,261 - $4,067 by container, $967 - $1,836 by rental truck, or $1,755 - $3,597 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 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 $2,496 and $11,076. 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.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,496 - $6,364
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,197 - $7,825
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,203 - $11,076
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Add-ons and specialty services from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. Here's what each add-on and specialty service typically runs from Billings to Des Moines, with prices localized to Billings costs.
- Full packing: $459 - $4,590 if you want the crew to box everything.
- Storage in transit: $184 - $1,102/mo if your new place isn't ready on arrival.
- Shuttle fee: $275 - $2,203 when a full-size truck can't reach the door.
- Full-value protection: $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) for coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb.
- Small moves: $918 - $2,754 for shipments under about 2,000 lbs.
- Office / commercial: $2,295 - $9,180 for a workplace relocation.
- Car shipping: $688 - $1,306 to move a second vehicle.
- Antiques & fine art: $918 - $2,295 for climate control and white-glove handling.
- Piano: $734 - $3,213 for an upright, baby grand, or grand.
- Pool table: $275 - $1,377 for disassembly and professional re-leveling.
- Hot tub: $597 - $1,836 for 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect.
- Wine collection: $275 - $13,770+ for climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport.
- Pet relocation: $275 - $3,213+ for ground, air, or VIP concierge service.
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Des Moines?
- 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Billings, MT, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,254 and $4,067. 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.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,254 - $2,279
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,679 - $3,198
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,261 - $4,067
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $643 in Billings, MT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $69 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $138 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
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 $1,254. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,679 - $3,198, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Des Moines?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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:
- Baker Transfer & Storage (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aaron's Back Company (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 940-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $707 and $1,836, depending on truck size. You're responsible for loading your belongings at pickup, driving the full 940 miles yourself, and unloading at your destination. On top of the base rate, expect to pay for fuel ($275 - $314 for the drive), insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18).
Rental moving trucks typically range from 10 - 26 feet, with 15- to 17-foot trucks being the most commonly used for the average 2-bedroom move. Smaller trucks (10 - 12 feet) work well for studio apartments and 1-bedroom homes, while homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually require a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks 20 feet or larger generally need diesel fuel, which can drive up your total fuel costs.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Billings to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $707 - $1,351
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $740 - $1,654
- 4+ bedrooms: $967 - $1,836
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $707 - $1,836 when pricing out a rental truck from Billings to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs ($275 - $314) , and overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $138 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 $60 and $298 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $275 - $314 in fuel for the 940-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $643 in Billings, Montana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget consistently offers the lowest base rates of the major truck rental companies, plus discounts for AAA members, military, and online bookings.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option. Their fleet averages under 2 years old, includes unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. With over 23,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the largest network and the most flexibility for last-minute bookings.
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 $2,742.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,141 - $2,029
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,251 - $2,742
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,755 - $3,597
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $69 and $138.
- 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 Billings, Montana, for roughly five hours typically average $643.
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.
- Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Des Moines, IA
Billings and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 95 in Billings and 87 in Des Moines, and rent tracks closely too ($1,300/mo vs. $1,150/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Billings, MT guide.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Billings, MT, 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 $2,496 - $11,076 on the 940-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,254 - $4,067 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $707 - $1,836 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,197 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
How to plan your move from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
- Compare your moving service options: Use the cost breakdown above to weigh full-service movers, containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers for your Billings to Des Moines move against your budget and how much work you want to handle.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Run your specific move through the moving cost calculator so your estimate reflects your home size and date, not just the route averages.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Check moveBuddha's recommended full-service, container, truck, and freight companies for the Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA route and compare their ratings and standout features.
- Request free quotes: Gather free quotes from two or three companies for the Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA route; comparing offers is how most moveBuddha users save.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Verify that your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured for interstate moves by checking their record on the FMCSA site.
- Book early and time your move: Reserve your move as far ahead as possible and aim for a midweek, mid-month date outside the summer rush to save on your Billings to Des Moines move.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to move from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA?
Fall and winter, roughly October - March, are consistently the most affordable times to move from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa. Fewer people are relocating during those months, which means lower prices, better availability, and more leverage when negotiating with movers.
Summer is the most expensive time to move, with peak demand running from mid-May through mid-September. If your schedule allows any flexibility, even shifting your move a few weeks earlier or later than the summer rush can save you a noticeable amount.
How much does moving from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA cost?
Rental trucks start at $707 for a move from Billings to Des Moines, making them roughly 50% cheaper than full-service movers for a 1-bedroom apartment. The price range for this route is $2,496 on the low end to $11,076 on the high end. A studio or small apartment using a rental truck is going to land near the bottom, while a large home with a full-service crew will land near the top.
What is the most budget-friendly way to move from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest option for moving from Billings to Des Moines, since you handle all the labor yourself and only pay for the vehicle. A 2-bedroom truck rental on this route averages $740 - $1,654. Take a look at our cheapest truck rental recommendations to lock in the lowest base rate for your DIY relocation.
What looks affordable upfront often isn't once you factor in the extras. Fuel ($275 - $314), insurance ($28/day), equipment rentals ($6 - $18), and overnight lodging ($138/night for cross-country drives) all add up beyond the base rate. Run the full math before booking your move from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa.
What tips should I follow when moving from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA?
Reducing your shipment by 500 pounds, roughly the equivalent of decluttering one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
Staying organized throughout the process matters just as much. A detailed moving checklist keeps you on schedule, helps you avoid last-minute mistakes, and makes the whole experience considerably less overwhelming.
How long does a move from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service and container moves on this route typically take 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery. Carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps transit times and costs in a reasonable range.
Freight trailers are the fastest delivery option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself, and they tend to have more consistent delivery windows than full-service movers. Just keep in mind that freight works best when you're ready to receive your shipment on the other end.
If you need storage or your move-in isn't locked in yet, a container or full-service mover gives you more flexibility. Driving a rental truck from Billings, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, puts the timeline entirely in your hands.