Des Moines, IA to Mesa, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Mesa typically costs $3,200–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,384 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Mesa
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Mesa, AZ typically costs $3,200–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,384-mile move from Des Moines to Mesa, 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
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,889 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,199 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $6,658 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 04, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 04, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Des Moines to Mesa
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 Mesa might be as low as $2,500, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,000.
- 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 $2,700 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Mesa, AZ to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Mesa movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Mesa
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Des Moines to Mesa, 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 Mesa
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Mesa runs about 28% higher for singles and 27% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,416 in Mesa versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,566 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,734 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $432,892 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,524 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,416 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,566 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 2.5% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 55% higher in Mesa than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 125% higher in Mesa than in Des Moines.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 10% higher in Mesa than in Des Moines, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Mesa, as the cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 28% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Mesa, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 27% more than it is in Des Moines.
- There's little difference in the unemployment rates of Mesa and Des Moines, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes in Mesa exceed those in Des Moines by 19%, 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 Mesa, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.69 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Mesa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Mesa.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Mesa.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Mesa.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Mesa.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Mesa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Mesa.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Mesa
| Des Moines | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 504,258 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 38 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 60 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 44.67 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 55.33 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Mesa's population is about 28% less than Des Moines.
- Mesa's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Mesa is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa 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.
- Mesa's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 44.67 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Mesa and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.33 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Mesa is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Mesa 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 Mesa 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 Mesa
Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Mesa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Southwest
- Northwest
- Northeast
- West Central
Best neighborhoods for families
- Red Mountain Ranch
- Superstition Springs
- Eastmark
- Dobson Ranch
- Alta Mesa
Things to do in Mesa
Now that you've made the move to Arizona, it's the perfect time to explore Mesa. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Mesa include museums and art centers like the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, and i.d.e.a. Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Mesa?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Mesa. 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 Mesa?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Mesa 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 Mesa take?
Covering 1,384 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Mesa, AZ typically takes three to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Mesa can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Mesa?
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.
