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

How we chose the best AL→IA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 46 Alabama movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Montgomery to Des Moines

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Des Moines runs about 15% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than Montgomery.

Singles spend around $1,891 in Des Moines versus $1,651 in Montgomery; families pay $4,380 compared with $3,569.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Montgomery	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,232	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$1,567	$1,763
Average home value	$140,563	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$49,989	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$1,651	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$3,569	$4,380
Unemployment rate	5.8%	5.9%
Sales tax	10.0%	7.0%
State income tax	5.0%	4.4%

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

Moving to Des Moines from Montgomery won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Des Moines are about 37% higher than those in Montgomery.
Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 17% higher in Des Moines compared to Montgomery, which might allow for more savings or investments.
Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Des Moines, as living costs for a single person are 15% higher than in Montgomery. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
If you're moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 23% higher than in Montgomery.
With Des Moines and Montgomery having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
Sales taxes are 30% less in Des Moines relative to Montgomery. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
Income taxes in Iowa are 12% below those in Alabama. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Montgomery and Des Moines:

Living Expense	Montgomery	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$180.00	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$50.33	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$3.99	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$1.57	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.50	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$51.49	$77.50
Gym membership	$37.50	$66.67

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

How life is different in Montgomery vs. Des Moines

	Montgomery	Des Moines
Population	200,603	699,292
Transportation score	2	5
Walkability score	26	45
Bike friendliness score	33	39
Crime index	65.25	5.0
Safety index	34.75	57.8
Air quality	Moderate	Good

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

Des Moines's population is about 249% greater than Montgomery.
Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Montgomery's score of 2.
Des Moines is more walkable than Montgomery with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Montgomery's 26 out of 100.
With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Montgomery, which has a score of 33 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 Montgomery with a score of 5.0 compared to Montgomery's 65.25. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25%.
Des Moines is considered to be safer than Montgomery with a safety index of 57.8 vs Montgomery's 34.75.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Montgomery it's Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Montgomery to Des Moines move

HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Des Moines

Planning your move to Hartford of the West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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

After settling into your new Iowa home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

Planning your move from Montgomery to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Montgomery.

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

Because most people are moving from Montgomery to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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

The 935-mile journey from Montgomery, AL to Des Moines, IA, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Montgomery offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.

Are there special savings available from movers in Montgomery?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Montgomery?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Montgomery, 4 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Alabama has 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.