Madison, WI to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Des Moines typically costs $1,800–$5,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 284 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Madison to Des Moines
Moving from Madison, WI to Des Moines, IA typically costs $1,800–$5,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 284-mile move from Madison to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $1,837 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,615 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,384 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
Studio apartment
Feb 23, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 22, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 25, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Madison to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Madison to Des Moines may only cost $1,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,300.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Madison.
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to Des Moines movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Madison to Des Moines
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Madison to Des Moines. 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 WI→IA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 39 Wisconsin 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 Madison to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Madison - roughly 17% less for singles and 20% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,292 in Madison. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $5,457.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Madison | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 28% less expensive in Des Moines than in Madison, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 48% cheaper in Des Moines than in Madison.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 7% less in Des Moines than in Madison.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 17% below that of Madison.
- A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 20% lower compared to Madison.
- Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 79%. 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 Des Moines surpass those in Madison by 27%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 42% less in Iowa compared to Wisconsin, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Madison versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Madison | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Des Moines.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Madison than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Madison vs. Des Moines
| Madison | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 39 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 159% greater than Madison.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Madison's score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Madison with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 5.0 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 57.8 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Des Moines 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, 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 Des Moines. 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.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
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
With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 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 Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Des Moines?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from Madison to Des Moines? 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 Madison to Des Moines take?
The 284-mile move from Madison, WI, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Madison?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Madison provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 25 piano movers and 13 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.
