Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Gilbert typically costs $3,200–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,386 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Gilbert
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ typically costs $3,200–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,386-mile move from Des Moines to Gilbert, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $5,802 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,093 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $6,937 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 20, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 19, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 11, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Des Moines to Gilbert
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 Gilbert might be as low as $2,500, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,200.
- 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 $900 to $2,800 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Gilbert, AZ to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Gilbert movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Gilbert
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Des Moines to Gilbert, 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→AZ 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 Gilbert
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Gilbert runs about 47% higher for singles and 35% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,775 in Gilbert versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,929 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Gilbert | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,906 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,850 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $571,870 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,775 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,929 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.8% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 2.5% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 96% higher in Gilbert than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 197% higher in Gilbert than in Des Moines.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 10% higher in Gilbert than in Des Moines, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Gilbert, as the cost of living for a single person in Gilbert is 47% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Gilbert, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 35% more than it is in Des Moines.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 24% lower than Des Moines, Gilbert boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Gilbert exceed those in Des Moines by 11%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 43% lower in Arizona than in Iowa. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Gilbert, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $160.65 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.76 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Gilbert, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Gilbert.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Gilbert.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Gilbert.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Gilbert.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Gilbert.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Gilbert.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Gilbert
| Des Moines | Gilbert | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 267,918 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 53 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 14.77 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 85.23 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Gilbert's population is about 62% less than Des Moines.
- Gilbert's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Gilbert is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 53 out of 100, Gilbert is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Gilbert's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 14.77 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Gilbert neighborhoods are safer than 14.77% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Gilbert is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 85.23 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Gilbert is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Gilbert 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Arizona, 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 Gilbert 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 Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Gilbert
Ready to relocate to Kindness USA? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Gilbert.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Agritopia
- The Islands
- Spectrum at Val Vista
- Layton Lakes
- Finley Farms
Best neighborhoods for families
- Seville
- Power Ranch
- Val Vista Lakes
- Higley Groves
- Cooley Station
Things to do in Gilbert
Now that you've made the move to Arizona, it's the perfect time to explore Gilbert. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Gilbert include museums and art centers like the HD South Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, and McQueen Park New, 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 Gilbert Youth Sports (various sports)Cactus Yards Adult Sportsi9 Sports Gilbert/Chandler/Queen Creek game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Gilbert?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Gilbert. 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 Gilbert?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Gilbert 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 Gilbert take?
Covering 1,386 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ typically takes three to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Gilbert can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Gilbert?
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 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
