($987+) Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers
The cost to move from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA ranges from $1,317 to $10,855, with an average cost of $3,750. Moves can be as low as $987 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,637 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Fontana to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,317 - $10,855 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,750, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,637 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,637-mile route from Fontana to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,317 - $5,543 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,546 - $2,854), rental truck ($1,068 - $1,954), or freight trailer ($1,338 - $2,543). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,185 - $7,292 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,855.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Fontana, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,317 and $10,855. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,637-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $319 - $2,124, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Fontana and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Fontana tend to start around $259 plus $110/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fontana to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,317 - $5,543
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,185 - $7,292
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,027 - $10,855
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Fontana to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Fontana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $531 - $5,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $212 - $1,274/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $319 - $2,549 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage44% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers | $1,062 - $3,186 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,655 - $10,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $795 - $1,511 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $1,062 - $2,655 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $850 - $3,717 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $319 - $1,593 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $690 - $2,124 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $319 - $15,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $319 - $3,717+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fontana to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Fontana, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Fontana, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,546 and $5,291. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Fontana typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fontana to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,546 - $2,854
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,017 - $3,991
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,539 - $5,291
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Fontana, CA and Des Moines, IA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $743 in Fontana, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $80 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $159 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Iowa move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,546. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,017 - $3,991, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fontana to Des Moines?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Fontana to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Fontana:
- Big Deahl's Movers (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 10 years in business
- Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $1,068 - $2,815 for a rental moving truck on the 1,637-mile route from Fontana, California, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $553 - $632
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Fontana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Fontana to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,068 - $1,954
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,113 - $2,210
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,443 - $2,815
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,068 - $2,815 does not include fuel ($553 - $632) , lodging ($159/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Fontana to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $159 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $69 and $345 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $553 - $632 in fuel for the 1,637-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $743 in Fontana, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fontana to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Fontana, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,582 and $3,256.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fontana to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,338 - $2,543
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,582 - $3,256
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,094 - $4,063
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Fontana, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $743.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $159 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Fontana to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Fontana to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Fontana, CA vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Fontana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fontana, CA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 119 | 87 |
| Average rent | $3,000/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $554,802 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $98,187/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 68.35/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Fontana, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Iowa, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,637-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,637-mile route from Fontana, CA, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,317 - $10,855 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,546 - $5,291, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,068 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,185, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Fontana, CA, to Des Moines, IA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Fontana, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,317 to $10,855, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,317 and $10,855, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 37 and 41 in Fontana. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($553 - $632), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $159/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
What percentage of Fontana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Fontana handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.