Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Chicago typically costs $2,000–$5,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 333 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Des Moines to Chicago
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL typically costs $2,000–$5,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 333-mile move from Des Moines to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,757 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $424 for a 2 bedroom using a rental truck.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,869 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 28, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 10, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Chicago may only cost $1,200, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Chicago movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Des Moines to Chicago
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Chicago. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→IL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 93% higher for singles and 112% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $9,266 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 78% more expensive in Chicago than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 54% steeper in Chicago compared to Des Moines.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 22% greater in Chicago than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 93% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 112% higher than in Des Moines.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 53%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Chicago surpass those in Des Moines by 46%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 12% more in Illinois than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Chicago:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Des Moines than in Chicago.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Chicago
| Des Moines | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 72 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 293% greater than Des Moines.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Chicago is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 35.19 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 33.87 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Chicago?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Chicago? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Chicago take?
The 333-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Chicago, IL, takes one to four days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
