($735+) Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Bridgeport, CT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $735 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,040 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,165 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,873, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,040 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,178 - $4,060, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $735 - $2,068.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Bridgeport, CT, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,517 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Bridgeport to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,517 - $5,874 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 35% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 70% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,165 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,165-mile route from Bridgeport to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,873 - $4,297 with full-service movers, $1,178 - $2,227 with a container, $735 - $1,399 with a rental truck, or $1,136 - $1,983 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,517 - $5,874 full-service, $1,642 - $2,976 by container, $763 - $1,681 by rental truck, or $1,313 - $2,607 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,319 - $8,040 full-service, $2,137 - $4,060 by container, $938 - $2,068 by rental truck, or $1,676 - $3,447 by freight.
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 Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,165-mile move from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,873 - $8,040. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $355 - $2,364. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Bridgeport and Des Moines. Local movers in Bridgeport typically start around $272 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bridgeport to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,873 - $4,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,517 - $5,874
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,319 - $8,040
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 Bridgeport to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Bridgeport 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 packing73% of local movers | $591 - $5,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meyer, Inc. | $236 - $1,418/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $355 - $2,837 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% 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 items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Collegian Movers | $1,182 - $2,955 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Collegian Movers | $946 - $4,137 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling5% of local movers | $355 - $1,773 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (CT) | $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 Bridgeport to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Bridgeport, CT, 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 Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,178 and $4,060. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Bridgeport typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bridgeport to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,178 - $2,227
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,642 - $2,976
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,137 - $4,060
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Bridgeport, CT, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $827, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $89 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $177 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Bridgeport, CT, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Connecticut 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 $1,178. 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 $1,642 - $2,976.
What are the best moving containers Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport:
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Collegian Movers (5.0/5), 37 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,165-mile move from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $735 and $2,068, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $438 - $501
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Bridgeport daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Bridgeport to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $735 - $1,399
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $763 - $1,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $938 - $2,068
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $735 - $2,068 does not include fuel ($438 - $501), lodging ($177/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Bridgeport to Des Moines typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $438 - $501 for the 1,165-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 Bridgeport, Connecticut, for about 5 hours typically costs around $827.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,165-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $177 per night, adding $355 - $532 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $59 and $355.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport, CT 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 Bridgeport, Connecticut, 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 $1,313 and $2,607.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bridgeport to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,136 - $1,983
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,607
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,676 - $3,447
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $89 - $177 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Bridgeport, Connecticut, typically costs $827.
What are the best freight companies from Bridgeport 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Bridgeport, CT 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 Bridgeport on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Bridgeport, CT | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 139 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,100/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $250,949 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $56,584/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.2% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.0% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 66/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 39.4/100 | 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 Bridgeport, CT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Connecticut 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 120 movers in our Connecticut network to compare for this 1,165-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Bridgeport, CT, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,873 for a studio to $8,040 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,165-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,178 - $4,060. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $735 - $2,068, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,517 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Bridgeport, CT, to Des Moines, IA
What do local movers charge in Bridgeport?
Local movers based in Bridgeport typically start around $272 as a base rate, plus $133/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
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.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 66 and 49 in Bridgeport. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 39.4 and 60.6 in Bridgeport. 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 Bridgeport movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Bridgeport handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.