Fact Checked by: Quick answer: For a 1,781-mile move from Modesto to Des Moines, expect to spend around $1,471–$8,693 and five to 16 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Modesto guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Modesto to Des Moines
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Modesto to Des Moines can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to IA move
Local moving companies in Modesto
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Lunardi Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management, Dawson Van & Storage, United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Des Moines?
Modesto movers charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,542 - $6,002 | $1,372 - $3,385 | $1,243 - $2,567 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,846 - $8,693 | $2,325 - $5,149 | $1,471 - $2,906 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,336 - $12,280 | $3,439 - $6,853 | $1,837 - $3,810 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Iowa
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Iowa, you can expect to spend between $1,542 and $6,002. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,846 to $8,693 on the same route (CA to IA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Iowa typically runs between $7,336 and $12,280.
Cost of moving containers from California to Iowa
When you’re heading from California to Iowa, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,372 and $3,385. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,325 and $5,149. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,439 to $6,853. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Iowa
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,243 and $2,567. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,471 and $2,906. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,837 and $3,810.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Modesto to Des Moines
Moving from Modesto to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Modesto than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Modesto compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 36% lower than in Modesto, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 56.5% lower than in Modesto. - Income in Des Moines is 12.7% lower than in Modesto, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 18.2% lower than in Modesto.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 26.3% less than what it costs in Modesto.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 26.25% lower than in Modesto.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city's sales taxes in Des Moines are 21.17% lower than in Modesto.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.92% lower than in Modesto.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,453.72 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Modesto.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 218,464 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 48 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 65.76 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 34.24 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Des Moines is about 220% greater than Modesto, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Des Moines will be about the same as it currently is in Modesto. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- You'll find Des Moines to be about as walkable as Modesto. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 45 and 48 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Des Moines, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Modesto. While Modesto has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, Des Moines earned a 39. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Des Moines has a lower crime rate than Modesto based on scores of 5.0 and Modesto's 65.76, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Des Moines than in Modesto, based on Des Moines's safety index of 57.8 versus 34.24 for Modesto. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Des Moines has better air quality than in Modesto. Des Moines has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Modesto. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Modesto vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Iowa doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Village
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Modesto to Des Moines You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from Modesto to Des Moines are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Modesto to Des Moines take?
The 1,781-mile journey from Modesto, CA to Des Moines, IA, typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Modesto offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.
