Huntsville, AL to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best AL→IA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 46 Alabama movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Huntsville to Des Moines

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Des Moines runs about -40% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Huntsville.

Singles spend around $1,891 in Des Moines versus $3,133 in Huntsville; families pay $4,380 compared with $4,140.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Huntsville	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,358	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$2,400	$1,763
Average home value	$266,736	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$60,959	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$3,133	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,140	$4,380
Unemployment rate	3.1%	5.9%
Sales tax	9.0%	7.0%
State income tax	5.0%	4.4%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Huntsville, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 18% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
With home prices being nearly 28% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Huntsville, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 40% less compared to Huntsville.
As you plan your move to Des Moines, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 6% more than it is in Huntsville.
The unemployment rate in Des Moines exceeds that of Huntsville by about 90%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
Sales taxes are 22% lower in Des Moines than Huntsville, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
Income taxes are 12% lower in Iowa than in Alabama. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Huntsville and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	Huntsville	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$180.00	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$50.56	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$4.26	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$3.33	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.50	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$62.50	$77.50
Gym membership	$44.00	$66.67

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
Eggs cost more in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
Bread is more expensive in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Huntsville than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Huntsville vs. Des Moines

	Huntsville	Des Moines
Population	241,114	699,292
Transportation score	2	5
Walkability score	24	45
Bike friendliness score	40	39
Crime index	42.55	5.0
Safety index	57.45	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Des Moines's population is about 190% greater than Huntsville.
Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Huntsville's score of 2.
Des Moines is more walkable than Huntsville with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Huntsville's 24 out of 100.
Both Des Moines and Huntsville have similar bike-friendliness scores (40 vs 39), meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as Huntsville. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Huntsville with a score of 5.0 compared to Huntsville's 42.55. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55%.
Des Moines and Huntsville have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 57.45.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Huntsville it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Huntsville to Des Moines move

HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Iowa, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Des Moines

Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top 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

Now that you've made the move to Iowa, it's the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Des Moines?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Huntsville to Des Moines. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Huntsville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Huntsville to Des Moines?

With many people choosing to move from Huntsville to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Huntsville to Des Moines take?

Covering 765 miles, the move from Huntsville, AL to Des Moines, IA typically takes two to seven days. Some Huntsville movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in Huntsville offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.

Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.

How many movers in Huntsville can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Huntsville, 7 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AL, there are 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.