($1,322) Cost to Move From Santa Ana, CA to Des Moines, IA

Quick answer: The cost to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines ranges from $1,106 – $6,926, with a timeframe of four to 15 days. Factors affecting the estimate include volume, timing, and whether you handle the 1,680-mile move yourself or use professionals.

1. Meathead Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
3. Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
5. Laaks Moving Services: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Des Moines

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Des Moines typically costs between $1,322 and $5,124. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,264 and $6,926 when moving from Santa Ana to Des Moines. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Santa Ana to Des Moines, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,853 up to $11,025.

Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Des Moines

If you’re relocating from Santa Ana to Des Moines, you’ll typically spend between $1,071 and $2,640 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,891 up to $3,977. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,687 and $5,386. 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 Santa Ana to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Santa Ana 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 $1,003 and $2,107. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,106 to $2,291. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,467 and $2,919.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Santa Ana, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 57% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• With home prices being nearly 77% 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 24% lower in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
• Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 70% less compared to Santa Ana.
• 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 61% lower than in Santa Ana.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 16% lower than Santa Ana, Des Moines boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are 24% lower in Des Moines than Santa Ana, 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 125% greater than Santa Ana.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 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 Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 5.0 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 57.8 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Santa Ana 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.