Mesa, AZ to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best AZ→IA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 99 Arizona 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 Mesa to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Mesa - roughly 22% less for singles and 21% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,416 in Mesa. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $5,566.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Mesa	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,734	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$2,500	$1,763
Average home value	$432,892	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$64,524	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$2,416	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,566	$4,380
Unemployment rate	6.1%	5.9%
Sales tax	8.3%	7.0%
State income tax	2.5%	4.4%

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

Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Mesa, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 36% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
With home prices being nearly 56% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 9% lower in Des Moines than in Mesa.
Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 22% less compared to Mesa.
Relocating to Des Moines could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 21% lower than in Mesa.
There's little difference in the unemployment rates of Des Moines and Mesa, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
Sales taxes are 16% lower in Des Moines than Mesa, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
Income taxes are 76% higher in Iowa than in Arizona. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

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

Living Expense	Mesa	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$256.54	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$70.53	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$4.69	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$4.18	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$75.00	$77.50
Gym membership	$42.00	$66.67

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

How life is different in Mesa vs. Des Moines

	Mesa	Des Moines
Population	504,258	699,292
Transportation score	4	5
Walkability score	38	45
Bike friendliness score	60	39
Crime index	44.67	5.0
Safety index	55.33	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Des Moines's population is about 39% greater than Mesa.
Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Mesa's score of 4.
Des Moines is more walkable than Mesa with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Mesa's 38 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 Mesa, which has a score of 60.
Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Mesa with a score of 5.0 compared to Mesa's 44.67. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67%.
Des Moines and Mesa have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 55.33.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Mesa it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Mesa 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 Mesa to Des Moines?

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

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

With many people choosing to move from Mesa 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 Mesa to Des Moines take?

Covering 1,387 miles, the move from Mesa, AZ to Des Moines, IA typically takes three to eight days. Some Mesa movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in Mesa offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Mesa offer AAA member savings. 2 movers provide military discounts. 5 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 Mesa can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Mesa, 54 movers can handle pianos. 37 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AZ, there are 73 piano movers and 49 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.