($1,005+) Roseville, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers
The cost to move from Roseville, CA to Des Moines, IA ranges from $1,173 to $10,399, with an average cost of $3,550. Moves can be as low as $1,005 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,695 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 Roseville, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Roseville to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,173 - $10,399 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,550, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,695 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 1,695-mile route from Roseville to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,173 - $5,200 | $1,482 - $2,762 | $946 - $1,987 | $1,346 - $2,316 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,955 - $6,807 | $1,802 - $3,941 | $1,097 - $2,364 | $1,545 - $2,880 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,465 - $10,399 | $2,610 - $5,181 | $1,276 - $2,615 | $2,128 - $4,064 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Roseville, CA to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,695-mile move from Roseville, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,173 and $10,399. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $355 - $2,364 (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 Roseville generally start around $260 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Roseville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,173 - $5,200
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,955 - $6,807
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,465 - $10,399
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 Roseville to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Roseville, CA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Roseville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $591 - $5,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Fuller Moving Services | $236 - $1,418/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $355 - $2,837 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,182 - $3,546 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,955 - $11,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $885 - $1,682 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Fuller Moving Services | $1,182 - $2,955 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Fuller Moving Services | $946 - $4,137 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $355 - $1,773 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Auburn Moving & Storage | $768 - $2,364 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $355 - $17,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $355 - $4,137+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Roseville to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Roseville, 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 Roseville, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Roseville, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,482 and $5,181. 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 Roseville costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Roseville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,482 - $2,762
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,802 - $3,941
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,610 - $5,181
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $89 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $177 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $827 in Roseville, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,482. 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 $1,802 - $3,941.
What are the best moving containers Roseville 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 Roseville 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 Roseville:
- House to Home Moving (4.8/5), 16 years in business
- 916 Movers (4.9/5), 20 years in business
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Roseville, CA to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $946 - $2,615 for a rental moving truck on the 1,695-mile route from Roseville, California, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $637 - $729
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Roseville 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 Roseville to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $946 - $1,987
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,097 - $2,364
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,276 - $2,615
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Roseville to Des Moines starts at $946 - $2,615, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($637 - $729), overnight lodging ($177/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $89 and $414.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $177.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $637 and $729 for the 1,695-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 $827 for 2 movers in Roseville, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Roseville 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 Roseville, 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 Roseville, 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 $1,545 and $2,880.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Roseville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,346 - $2,316
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,545 - $2,880
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,128 - $4,064
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $89 and $177.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Roseville, California, for roughly five hours typically average $827.
What are the best freight companies from Roseville to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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: Roseville, 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 Roseville on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Roseville, CA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 139 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,497/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $630,401 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $117,354/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 38/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 80.11/100 | 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 Roseville, 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 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,695-mile move.
Our take
The 1,695-mile move from Roseville, CA, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,173 and $10,399 with full-service movers, $1,482 - $5,181 with a moving container, and $946 - $2,615 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,955 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Roseville, CA, to Des Moines, IA
What is the best time of year to move from Roseville, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 80.11 and 25.0 in Roseville. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Roseville, 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 $1,097 - $2,364. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Roseville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Roseville handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.