Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,134–$7,016 for a move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines, with most moves taking three to eight days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 1,378 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to St. Petersburg guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from St. Petersburg to Des Moines
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from St. Petersburg to Des Moines isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any 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 FL to IA move
The top local movers servicing St. Petersburg to Des Moines moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in St. Petersburg that also handles long-distance moves to Des Moines. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in St. Petersburg who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines.
- Let's Get Moving, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Big Man's Moving Company, LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Brothers EZ Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2270761
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2270761
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2951960
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2951960
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2349033
Alternate Names: Brothers EZ Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2787568
Alternate Names: Smarter Moving Solutions LLC, 2 College Brothers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2113690
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Saviveco, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines?
St. Petersburg movers charge $185 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 | $1,389 - $5,264 | $1,172 - $2,904 | $1,081 - $2,088 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,052 - $7,016 | $2,223 - $4,491 | $1,134 - $2,315 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,650 - $9,831 | $2,903 - $5,576 | $1,399 - $2,797 |
Cost to hire movers from Florida to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Florida to Iowa will cost between $1,389 and $5,264. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from FL to IA will range from $3,052 to $7,016, and a large move from Florida to Iowa will cost from $5,650 to $9,831.
Cost of moving containers from Florida to Iowa
Moving containers from Florida to Iowa will cost you $1,172 to $2,904 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,223 to $4,491. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,903 to $5,576. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Florida to Iowa
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, 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 $1,081 and $2,088. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,134 to $2,315. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,399 and $2,797.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that impact the cost of your St. Petersburg to Des Moines move
What to know before moving from St. Petersburg to Des Moines
Moving from St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how St. Petersburg compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| St. Petersburg | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,075 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $360,584 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,374 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,642 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,178 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 45% lower than in St. Petersburg, 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 46.7% lower than in St. Petersburg. - Income in Des Moines is 9.1% lower than in St. Petersburg, 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 28.4% lower than in St. Petersburg.
- 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 29.1% less than what it costs in St. Petersburg.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 28.26% higher than in St. Petersburg.
- Sales taxes are the same in Des Moines and St. Petersburg.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 4.40% higher than in St. Petersburg.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,147.24 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Petersburg.
How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 259,343 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 59 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 39.54 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 60.46 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 170% greater than St. Petersburg.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus St. Petersburg's higher score of 6.
- Des Moines and St. Petersburg are similarily walkable.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as St. Petersburg, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than St. Petersburg with a score of 5.0 compared to St. Petersburg's 39.54. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Petersburg neighborhoods are safer than 39.54%.
- Des Moines and St. Petersburg are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in St. Petersburg it's good.
Other things to consider for your St. Petersburg 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Arbor Peaks
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- 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: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in St. Petersburg.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines take?
Covering 1,378 miles, the move from St. Petersburg, FL to Des Moines, IA typically takes three to eight days. Some St. Petersburg movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.
