($226+) Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Kansas City, MO, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $217 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,431 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 193 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $804, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,431 or more.
- Moving containers run $804 - $2,332, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $217 - $537.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Kansas City, MO, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,452 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Kansas City to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,452 - $3,872. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 193 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 193-mile route from Kansas City to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $804 - $3,153 | $804 - $1,424 | $217 - $383 | $703 - $1,320 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,452 - $3,872 | $1,015 - $1,891 | $238 - $444 | $829 - $1,559 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,976 - $5,431 | $1,424 - $2,332 | $282 - $537 | $1,117 - $1,885 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA
For the 193-mile move from Kansas City, Missouri, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $804 and $5,431. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $263 - $1,752 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Kansas City generally start around $251 plus $113 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Kansas City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $804 - $3,153
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,452 - $3,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,976 - $5,431
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 Kansas City to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Missouri to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 72% of Kansas City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $438 - $4,380 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready72% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Bellhop Moving | $175 - $1,051/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $263 - $2,102 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage32% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $876 - $2,628 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,190 - $8,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $656 - $1,247 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $876 - $2,190 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $701 - $3,066 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling32% of local movers | $263 - $1,314 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $569 - $1,752 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $263 - $13,140+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $263 - $3,066+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Kansas City to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Kansas City, MO?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Kansas City to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,510 - $4,026. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Kansas City, MO can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Moving Proz (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Kansas City, ranked #3 in Missouri, based on our analysis of feedback from 290 customers, 87.6% of which is positive.
Address: 200 W 5th Street #607, Kansas City, MO, 64196 | Founded: 2016
Moving container costs from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Kansas City, Missouri, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $804 and $2,332. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Kansas City typically costs about $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Kansas City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $804 - $1,424
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,015 - $1,891
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,424 - $2,332
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $131 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 $613 in Kansas City, MO, 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 Missouri 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 $804. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,015 - $1,891, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City:
- Moving Proz (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- Metro Wide Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Kansas City, Missouri, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $217 - $537 for the 193-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $54 - $61
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Kansas City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Kansas City to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $217 - $383
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $238 - $444
- 4+ bedrooms: $282 - $537
Pro tip: A rental truck from Kansas City to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $217 - $537. But once you factor in fuel ($54 - $61) , overnight lodging ($131/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. 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 $66 and $307.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $131.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $54 and $61 for the 193-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 $613 for 2 movers in Kansas City, Missouri, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Kansas City 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 Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Kansas City, Missouri, 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 $788 and $1,559.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Kansas City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $703 - $1,320
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $829 - $1,559
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,117 - $1,885
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Kansas City, Missouri, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $613.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $66 - $131 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Kansas City 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.
- Material Transport Co (4.62/5 stars): Material Transport Co 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: If speed matters on your move from Kansas City 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: Kansas City, MO vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Kansas City: cost of living index of 87 versus 88, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,300/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 35/100 and 42.6/100 in Kansas City versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Missouri 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 54 movers in our Missouri network to compare for this 193-mile move.
Our take
The 193-mile move from Kansas City, MO, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $804 and $5,431 with full-service movers, $804 - $2,332 with a moving container, and $217 - $537 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,452 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Kansas City, MO, to Des Moines, IA
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Kansas City?
Local movers based in Kansas City typically start around $251 as a base rate, plus $113/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $804 to $5,431, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $804 and $5,431, 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 Kansas City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Kansas City handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
