($1,243) Cost to Move From Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA

1. Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
4. Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. Brewer Moving LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Modesto to Des Moines

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Modesto to Des Moines typically costs between $1,243 and $4,935. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,196 and $7,148 when moving from Modesto to Des Moines. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Modesto to Des Moines, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,971 up to $10,311.

Cost of moving containers from Modesto to Des Moines

If you’re relocating from Modesto to Des Moines, you’ll typically spend between $1,095 and $2,516 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,856 up to $4,031. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,588 and $5,049. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Modesto to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Modesto to Des Moines move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $982 and $1,969. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,140 to $2,272. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,381 and $2,954.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Modesto, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 36% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• With home prices being nearly 57% 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 13% lower in Des Moines than in Modesto.
• Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 18% less compared to Modesto.
• 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 26% lower than in Modesto.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 26% lower than Modesto, Des Moines boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are 21% lower in Des Moines than Modesto, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
• Income taxes are 67% lower in Iowa than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

• Des Moines’s population is about 220% greater than Modesto.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Modesto, making them very similar.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Modesto’s 48 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 Modesto, which has a score of 48.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 5.0 compared to Modesto’s 65.76. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 57.8 vs Modesto’s 34.24.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Modesto it’s Moderate.

• 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.

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.