($265+) Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to St. Paul, MN, runs anywhere from $265 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,808 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 248 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 $956, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,808 or more.
- Moving containers run $804 - $2,391, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $265 - $681.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to St. Paul, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,435 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 St. Paul, MN
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to St. Paul: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,435 - $4,551. Moving containers run about 27% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 80% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 248-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 248-mile route from Des Moines to St. Paul, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $956 - $3,506 with full-service movers, $804 - $1,382 with a container, $265 - $474 with a rental truck, or $767 - $1,270 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,435 - $4,551 full-service, $1,047 - $1,996 by container, $281 - $555 by rental truck, or $804 - $1,644 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,121 - $5,808 full-service, $1,448 - $2,391 by container, $383 - $681 by rental truck, or $1,081 - $2,073 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 Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN
For the 248-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to St. Paul, Minnesota, full-service movers cost between $956 and $5,808. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $279 - $1,860 (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 Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to St. Paul:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $3,506
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,435 - $4,551
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,121 - $5,808
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 St. Paul.
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 St. Paul, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In St. Paul, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $465 - $4,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $186 - $1,116/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $279 - $2,232 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $930 - $2,790 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,325 - $9,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $697 - $1,323 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $930 - $2,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $744 - $3,255 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $279 - $1,395 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $605 - $1,860 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $279 - $13,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $279 - $3,255+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to St. Paul?
Movers licensed to operate in Minnesota are typically members of the Minnesota Transport Services Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- 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.
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 St. Paul with a local mover averages $1,506 - $4,778. 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 (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,052 customers, 93.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to St. Paul, Minnesota, cost between $804 and $2,391. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to St. Paul. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to St. Paul:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $804 - $1,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,047 - $1,996
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,448 - $2,391
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $651, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $70 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $140 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and St. Paul, MN, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Minnesota 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 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 $1,047 - $1,996.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to St. Paul?
- 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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to St. Paul, Minnesota, range from $265 - $681 for the 248-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $73 - $84
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 St. Paul based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $265 - $474
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $281 - $555
- 4+ bedrooms: $383 - $681
Pro tip: The base rate of $265 - $681 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to St. Paul. Fuel ($73 - $84), lodging at around $140/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $651.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $73 - $84 for the 248-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $56 and $302, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $140 per night for hotel stops on the 248-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $279 - $419.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to St. Paul?
- 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 St. Paul, MN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to St. Paul, Minnesota. 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 $837 and $1,644.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to St. Paul:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,270
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $804 - $1,644
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,081 - $2,073
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?
- 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 $70 - $140 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $651.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to St. Paul?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in St. Paul fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs St. Paul, MN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in St. Paul, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 102 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $279,535 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $73,055/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 60/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 49.14/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Paul, MN to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Minnesota in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 67 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 248-mile route.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to St. Paul, MN, 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 $956 - $5,808 on the 248-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $804 - $2,391, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $265 - $681. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,435 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Siemens and ACS Group.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to St. Paul, MN
What are the best neighborhoods in St. Paul?
For families, Macalester-Groveland, Summit Hill, and Highland are worth a look in St. Paul. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, St. Anthony Park, and Summit Hill tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN?
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 $281 - $555. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is St. Paul a safe place to live?
St. Paul has a safety index of 49.14 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.86, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN?
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 Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.