($945+) Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers
The cost to move from Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA ranges from $1,223 to $9,945, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $945 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,652 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.
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Compare moving options from Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Moreno Valley to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,223 - $9,945 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,652 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 1,652-mile route from Moreno Valley 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 $1,223 - $4,942 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,401 - $2,719), rental truck ($1,034 - $1,966), or freight trailer ($1,299 - $2,520). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,248 - $6,787 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,945.
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 Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,652-mile move from Moreno Valley, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,223 - $9,945. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $340 - $2,268. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Moreno Valley and Des Moines. Local movers in Moreno Valley typically start around $239 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Moreno Valley to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,223 - $4,942
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,248 - $6,787
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,532 - $9,945
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 Moreno Valley to Des Moines.
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 Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Moreno Valley 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 packing74% of local movers | $567 - $5,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company | $227 - $1,361/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $340 - $2,722 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,134 - $3,402 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,835 - $11,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $849 - $1,614 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc. | $1,134 - $2,835 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company | $907 - $3,969 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $340 - $1,701 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationally | $737 - $2,268 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $340 - $17,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $340 - $3,969+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Moreno Valley 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Moreno Valley, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Moreno Valley, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,401 and $4,994. 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 Moreno Valley costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Moreno Valley to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,401 - $2,719
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,940 - $3,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,595 - $4,994
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $85 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $170 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Des Moines, IA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $794 in Moreno Valley, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,401. 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 $1,940 - $3,689.
What are the best moving containers Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley:
- JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,652 miles from Moreno Valley, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $1,034 - $2,640. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $596 - $681
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,034 - $1,966
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,023 - $2,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,288 - $2,640
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,034 - $2,640 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Moreno Valley to Des Moines. Fuel ($596 - $681), lodging at around $170/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $85 and $397.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $170.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $596 and $681 for the 1,652-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $794 for 2 movers in Moreno Valley, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Moreno Valley, 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,492 and $3,195.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Moreno Valley to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,299 - $2,520
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,492 - $3,195
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,117 - $3,954
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $85 - $170 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Moreno Valley, California, for about five hours typically runs $794.
What are the best freight companies from Moreno Valley 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Moreno Valley, 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 Moreno Valley on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Moreno Valley, CA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 131 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,550/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $460,926 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $87,477/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.1% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 59.76/100 | 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 Moreno Valley, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,126 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,652-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Moreno Valley, 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 $1,223 - $9,945 on the 1,652-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,401 - $4,994 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,034 - $2,640 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,248 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 Moreno Valley, CA, to Des Moines, IA
What is the cheapest way to move from Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,023 - $2,316. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($596 - $681), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $170/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 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 Moreno Valley, 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 Moreno Valley, 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.
What percentage of Moreno Valley movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Moreno Valley handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.