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Anaheim, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
 • 5 min read
checkmarkFact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: Moving from Anaheim to Des Moines (about 1,677 miles) typically costs $3,664–$8,264 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

Estimates based on moveBuddha pricing data as of March 2026. Prices can change based on how much you're moving, demand, add-on services like packing, and how flexible your move dates are.

Cost to move from Anaheim to Des Moines

Moving from Anaheim, CA to Des Moines, IA typically costs $3,664–$8,264 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,677-mile move from Anaheim to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of March 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

On average, moveBuddha users save 30% by comparing options with our moving cost calculator.

Estimated moving costs from Anaheim, CA to Des Moines, IA

Move size Professional movers Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,716–$5,719 $1,597–$3,162 $1,083–$2,231
2–3 bedrooms $3,664–$8,264 $2,190–$4,467 $1,158–$2,473
4+ bedrooms $6,127–$11,449 $3,045–$6,047 $1,522–$3,246

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

These are real moving quotes similar to your Anaheim to Des Moines move using our proprietary live pricing feed. Exact pricing can vary, but the examples below show what movers have actually charged for similar move sizes and service types.

  • United Van Lines recently quoted $5,687 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
  • North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,925 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
  • Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,413 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
United Van Lines
Temple City, CA › Knoxville, IA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 13, 2026
$5,687
Get a Quote
North American Van Lines
Rolling Hills, CA › Dexter, IA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Feb 08, 2026
$3,925
Get a Quote
Allied Van Lines
Rolling Hills Estates, CA › Alleman, IA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Feb 04, 2026
$4,413
Get a Quote
Mayflower Transit
Cypress, CA › State Center, IA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 02, 2026
$4,303
Get a Quote
Budget Truck Rental
Cudahy, CA › Melcher-Dallas, IA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 28, 2026
$1,830
Get a Quote
Roadway Moving
Manhattan Beach, CA › Adel, IA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 06, 2026
$4,215
Get a Quote
Colonial Van Lines
Santa Ana, CA › Rippey, IA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 24, 2025
$3,225
Get a Quote
Safeway Moving
Tustin, CA › Dallas Center, IA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 06, 2025
$4,303
Get a Quote
Joyce Van Lines
Irwindale, CA › Monroe, IA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 01, 2025
$5,269
Get a Quote
AB Moving
Beverly Hills, CA › Milo, IA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Nov 25, 2025
$7,570
Get a Quote

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Anaheim, CA guide.

Best Anaheim to Des Moines movers by type

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
Get A Quote
(866) 825-0554

When moving from Anaheim to Des Moines, most households compare professional movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and labor-only services. Each option offers a different balance between price, convenience, and control.

  • Professional movers: Best if you want a hands-off move and professionals handling the logistics.
  • Moving containers: A middle ground where you pack and load, while the company transports the container.
  • Rental trucks: Usually the lowest base price, but you handle driving and most of the work.
  • Local movers: Some city-based movers can handle interstate moves, especially shorter routes.
  • Labor-only: Hire help for loading or unloading while you manage theNeed flexibility on moving day? Opt for a truck or container. This choice lets you pack at your own pace and manage your belongings the way you want.
Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only
Local Movers Icon
Local

Best professional movers from Anaheim to Des Moines

The average cost of professional movers is $3,664–$8,264 for a typical 2–3 bedroom move from Anaheim, CA to Des Moines, IA. Professional interstate movers are the best choice if you want a hands-off move with packing, loading, transportation, and unloading handled by experts.

To compare top-rated companies, see our guide to the best interstate moving companies.

Safeway Moving
Get Quote
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
American Van Lines
Get Quote
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.9
Allied Van Lines
Get Quote
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
4.2

Factors that impact the cost of moving from Anaheim to Des Moines

Long-distance movers calculate prices using a few key details about your move.

  • Shipment size and weight: Interstate movers primarily price moves based on shipment weight and the amount of space your items take up in the truck. Smaller moves can start around $2,716, while larger homes may reach $11,449 or more depending on inventory.
  • Distance and route logistics: The move from Anaheim to Des Moines covers about 1,677 miles. Longer routes increase transportation costs and may require additional fuel, driver time, and coordination.
  • Move date and demand: Moving companies charge more during busy periods like summer and month-end weekends. Flexible scheduling, such as moving mid-week or mid-month, can sometimes lower your quote.
  • Service level you choose: Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading, which raises the price. Containers and rental trucks are often cheaper because you handle more of the work yourself.
  • Inventory accuracy: Your quote is based on the inventory list provided during the estimate. Adding items later can increase the final price, especially on long-distance moves where shipment weight matters.

Other factors to consider for your Anaheim to Des Moines move

  • HOA rules: Check any neighborhood or community rules on moving to avoid delays on move day.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, find out how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require permits for large vehicles and moving trucks, check local rules ahead of time.
  • 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 is properly licensed before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Iowa does not typically require moving permits, but it’s still smart to check local parking restrictions before move-in day.
  • Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: State rules differ on mover insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized.

What to know before moving from Anaheim to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Anaheim, the average cost of living is about 65% less for singles and 62% less for families.

Monthly basics average $5,451 for one person in Anaheim versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it’s $11,381 compared with $4,380.

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

Anaheim Des Moines
Average 1 bedroom rent $2,200 $1,229
Average 3 bedroom rent $3,400 $1,763
Average home value $924,742 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $88,538 $58,492
Cost of living (single) $5,451 $1,891
Cost of living (family of four) $11,381 $4,380
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.9%
Sales tax 7.75% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 4.4%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 55% lower in Des Moines than in Anaheim.
  • Home prices are about 79% lower in Des Moines than in Anaheim.
  • Average income is about 34% lower in Des Moines than in Anaheim.
  • Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Anaheim by about 44%.
  • Sales tax is lower in Des Moines than in Anaheim.
  • State income tax is lower in Iowa than in California.

How common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Anaheim and Des Moines

Here's a breakdown of typical everyday costs in both cities:

Living expense Anaheim Des Moines
Basic utilities $201 $145
Cell phone plan $54 $51
Dozen eggs $5 $4
Loaf of bread $5 $3
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $25 $16
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $100 $78
Gym membership $80 $67
  • Basic utilities cost more in Anaheim than in Des Moines.
  • A quick meal costs more in Anaheim than in Des Moines.
  • Gym memberships are more expensive in Anaheim than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Anaheim vs. Des Moines

Here are some ways life is different between Anaheim and Des Moines:

Anaheim Des Moines
Population 346,824 699,292
Transportation score 5 5
Walkability score 56 45
Bike friendliness score 52 39
Crime index 53.18 5.0
Safety index 46.82 57.8
Air quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Des Moines's population is about 102% greater than Anaheim.
  • Anaheim and Des Moines have similar public transportation scores.
  • Des Moines is less walkable (45 out of 100) than Anaheim (56).
  • Des Moines is less bike friendly (39 out of 100) than Anaheim (52).
  • Des Moines has a lower crime index than Anaheim (5.0 vs 53.18).
  • Des Moines has a higher safety index than Anaheim (57.8 vs 46.82).
  • Air quality in Anaheim is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that you've decided to make the move to Hartford of the West, these are the best 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

After settling into your new home in Iowa, you can start exploring what Des Moines has to offer:

  • Arts and culture:Des Moines is home to museums and cultural attractions 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 are great places for walks, trails, and time outside.
  • 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 Anaheim to Des Moines?

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

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

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

Covering 1,677 miles, the move from Anaheim, CA to Des Moines, IA typically takes four to 15 days. Some Anaheim movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in Anaheim offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Anaheim offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military discounts. 3 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 Anaheim can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Anaheim, 80 movers can handle pianos. 66 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 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.

Helpful moving resources

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.
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