($865) Cost to Move From St. Paul, MN to Des Moines, IA

1. Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
2. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
3. Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
4. AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. Lighthouse Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from St. Paul to Des Moines

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from St. Paul to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $865 and $2,843. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,585 to $4,416 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from St. Paul to Des Moines typically runs between $2,183 and $5,684.

Cost of moving containers from St. Paul to Des Moines

When moving from St. Paul to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $571 and $1,345. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,016 to $2,055. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,337 up to $2,590. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Minnesota.

Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck in St. Paul is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $287 and $479. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $295 and $567. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $379 and $729.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 15% lower in Des Moines than in St. Paul, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 31% lower in Des Moines than in St. Paul.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Des Moines than in St. Paul.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 48% less than in St. Paul.
• You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Des Moines and St. Paul, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 20% higher compared to St. Paul, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 29% lower in Des Moines than in St. Paul. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Des Moines can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 55% lower in Iowa compared to Minnesota. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Des Moines’s population is about 131% greater than St. Paul.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul’s score of 8.
• Des Moines is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 45 out of 100 vs St. Paul’s 60 out of 100.
• Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Paul, which has a score of 64.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than St. Paul with a score of 5.0 compared to St. Paul’s 50.86. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than St. Paul with a safety index of 57.8 vs St. Paul’s 49.14.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in St. Paul it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Iowa doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Sherman Hill
• Downtown
• East Village
• North of Grand
• Woodland Heights
• Arbor Peaks
• Chautauqua Park
• Beaverdale
• Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

• Linden Heights
• Waterbury
• Waveland Park
• Westwood
• Salisbury Oaks
• Meredith
• Beaverdale

Things to do in Des Moines

After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.