($1,035+) Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA ranges from $1,195 to $10,229, with an average cost of $3,950. Moves can be as low as $1,035 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,787 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Modesto to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,195 - $10,229 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 44% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,787 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,787-mile route from Modesto to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,195 - $5,310 | $1,513 - $2,943 | $1,035 - $1,952 | $1,321 - $2,623 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,331 - $7,093 | $1,859 - $4,040 | $1,086 - $2,515 | $1,611 - $3,327 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,573 - $10,229 | $2,672 - $5,216 | $1,369 - $2,989 | $2,095 - $4,087 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,787-mile move from Modesto, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,195 and $10,229. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $313 - $2,088 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Modesto generally start around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,195 - $5,310
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,331 - $7,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,573 - $10,229
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 Modesto to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing58% of local movers | $522 - $5,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $209 - $1,253/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,506 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,044 - $3,132 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,610 - $10,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $782 - $1,486 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,044 - $2,610 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $835 - $3,654 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $313 - $1,566 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $679 - $2,088 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,654+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Modesto, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,513 and $5,216. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Modesto costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,513 - $2,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,859 - $4,040
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,672 - $5,216
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $731 in Modesto, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $157 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
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 $1,513. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,859 - $4,040.
What are the best moving containers Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,787-mile move from Modesto, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,035 and $2,989, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $594 - $678
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Modesto to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,035 - $1,952
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,086 - $2,515
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,369 - $2,989
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Modesto to Des Moines starts at $1,035 - $2,989, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($594 - $678), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $594 - $678 for the 1,787-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Modesto, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $731.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,787-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $157 per night, adding $313 - $470 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $313.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto 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 Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Modesto, California, to Des Moines, Iowa. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,611 and $3,327.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,321 - $2,623
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,611 - $3,327
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,095 - $4,087
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Modesto, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $731.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $157 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 Modesto to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Modesto to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Modesto, 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 Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Modesto, CA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $415,024 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $77,899/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 34.24/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Modesto, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,787-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Modesto, CA, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,195 - $10,229 on the 1,787-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,513 - $5,216 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,035 - $2,989 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,331 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Des Moines, IA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($594 - $678), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Modesto, 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.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 34.24 and 65.76 in Modesto. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.