Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Huntsville typically costs $2,700–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 770 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Huntsville
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL typically costs $2,700–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 770-mile move from Des Moines to Huntsville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 23, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,392 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,551 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,124 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Mar 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 28, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 24, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 15, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
Major factors affecting moving costs from Des Moines to Huntsville
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Des Moines to Huntsville might be as low as $1,900, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,400.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Des Moines.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $600 to $1,600 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Huntsville, AL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Huntsville movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Huntsville
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Des Moines to Huntsville, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→AL movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Huntsville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Huntsville runs about 66% higher for singles and -5% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $3,133 in Huntsville versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,140 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Huntsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,358 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,400 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $266,736 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $60,959 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $3,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,140 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 23% higher in Huntsville than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 39% higher in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Huntsville and Des Moines, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Huntsville, as the cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 66% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Huntsville and Des Moines, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 47% lower than Des Moines, Huntsville boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Huntsville exceed those in Des Moines by 29%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 14% higher in Alabama than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Huntsville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $180.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $50.56 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Huntsville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Huntsville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Huntsville.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Huntsville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Huntsville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Huntsville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Huntsville.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Huntsville
| Des Moines | Huntsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 241,114 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 24 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 40 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 42.55 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 57.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Huntsville's population is about 66% less than Des Moines.
- Huntsville's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Huntsville is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Both Huntsville and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 40), meaning Huntsville is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Huntsville's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 42.55 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Huntsville and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.45 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Huntsville is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Huntsville move
- 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Alabama moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Alabama, 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 Huntsville 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. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Huntsville
Ready to relocate to The Rocket City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Huntsville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Five Points
- Downtown Huntsville
- Hampton Cove
- Whitesburg
- Research Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Blossomwood
- Hampton Cove
- Jones Valley
- Madison
- South Huntsville
Things to do in Huntsville
Now that you've made the move to Alabama, it's the perfect time to explore Huntsville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Huntsville include museums and art centers like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, and Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park, 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 Huntsville Havoc (SPHL)North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL)Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA)Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Huntsville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Huntsville. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Huntsville?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Huntsville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Huntsville take?
Covering 770 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL typically takes two to seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Huntsville can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Huntsville?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 10 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
