Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Birmingham to Des Moines typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 846 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Birmingham to Des Moines
Moving from Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 846-mile move from Birmingham 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,102 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,067 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,349 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 11, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Birmingham to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Birmingham to Des Moines may only cost $2,200, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,100.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Birmingham.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($600–$1,800), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Birmingham, AL guide.
Best Birmingham to Des Moines movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Birmingham to Des Moines
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Birmingham 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 AL→IA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 46 Alabama 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 Birmingham to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Birmingham - roughly 30% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,697 in Birmingham. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $6,727.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Birmingham | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,612 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $125,988 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $39,403 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,697 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,727 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 8% less expensive in Des Moines than in Birmingham, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 53% steeper in Des Moines compared to Birmingham.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 48% greater in Des Moines than in Birmingham, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- 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 30% below that of Birmingham.
- 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 35% lower compared to Birmingham.
- Des Moines and Birmingham have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes are 30% cheaper in Des Moines compared to Birmingham. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 12% less in Iowa compared to Alabama, 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 Birmingham versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Birmingham | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.40 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.55 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.20 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.52 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $47.50 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Birmingham vs. Des Moines
| Birmingham | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,644 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 0 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 39 |
| Crime index | 61.64 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 38.36 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 256% greater than Birmingham.
- Des Moines has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
- Des Moines is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 5.0 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 57.8 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Birmingham it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Des Moines?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Birmingham to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Birmingham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Birmingham to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Des Moines take?
The 846-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to seven days. Some Birmingham movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
What kinds of discounts do Birmingham movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Birmingham?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in Birmingham provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 34 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.
