($215+) Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Kansas City, MO, runs anywhere from $233 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,325 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 $854, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,325 or more.
- Moving containers run $772 - $2,356, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $233 - $526.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Kansas City, MO. 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.
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Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Kansas City: 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 - $3,946. 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 Des Moines to Kansas City, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $854 - $3,418, container $772 - $1,424, rental truck $233 - $383, freight trailer $732 - $1,282.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,452 - $3,946, container $1,036 - $1,968, rental truck $250 - $444, freight trailer $870 - $1,605.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,919 - $5,325, container $1,397 - $2,356, rental truck $300 - $526, freight trailer $1,106 - $1,962.
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 Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 193-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Kansas City, Missouri, with costs ranging from $854 - $5,325. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $262 - $1,748. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Kansas City. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $854 - $3,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,452 - $3,946
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,919 - $5,325
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 Des Moines to Kansas City.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Missouri. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Kansas City, 72% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $437 - $4,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $175 - $1,049/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $262 - $2,098 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $874 - $2,622 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,185 - $8,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $655 - $1,244 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $874 - $2,185 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $699 - $3,059 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $262 - $1,311 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $568 - $1,748 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $262 - $13,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $262 - $3,059+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Kansas City?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Kansas City with a local mover averages $1,452 - $3,946. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Des Moines, IA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 251 customers, 91.6% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Kansas City, Missouri, cost between $772 and $2,356. 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 Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $772 - $1,424
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,036 - $1,968
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,397 - $2,356
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 $612 in Des Moines, IA. 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 $66 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $131 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 Kansas City, MO, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Missouri 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 $772. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,036 - $1,968, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Kansas City?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO
Renting a moving truck for the 193-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Kansas City, Missouri, costs between $233 and $526, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $54 - $61
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Kansas City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $233 - $383
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $250 - $444
- 4+ bedrooms: $300 - $526
Pro tip: The base rate of $233 - $526 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Kansas City. Fuel ($54 - $61) , lodging at around $131/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $131 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 $57 and $284 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $54 - $61 in fuel for the 193-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $612 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Kansas City?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Kansas City, Missouri. 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 $787 and $1,605.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $732 - $1,282
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $870 - $1,605
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,106 - $1,962
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $66 - $131 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $612.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Kansas City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Kansas City, 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: Des Moines, IA vs Kansas City, MO
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Kansas City to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 88. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $1,300/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 35. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 42.6.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Missouri, 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. We track 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 193-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Kansas City, MO, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $854 - $5,325 on the 193-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $772 - $2,356, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $233 - $526. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,452 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Kansas City tend to point to ample economic opportunity and delicious barbecue, though tornadoes and extreme weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Public School System and Federal Government.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Kansas City, MO
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $250 - $444. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Kansas City?
For families, Armour Hills, Brookside, and Sunset Hill are worth a look in Kansas City. If you're moving solo or without kids, River Market, Union Hill, and Volker tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO 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 Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/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 Kansas City 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 Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO?
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.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
