Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Phoenix typically costs $3,100–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,400 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Phoenix
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ typically costs $3,100–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,400-mile move from Des Moines to Phoenix, 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
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $4,028 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,598 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,297 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 10, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 01, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Phoenix move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,400 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,000 to $2,800, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Phoenix movers by type
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Local
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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 Des Moines to Phoenix
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Phoenix much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Phoenix
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Phoenix runs about 25% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,369 in Phoenix versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,226 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,664 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,634 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 2.5% |
- Planning a move to Phoenix? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 47% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Phoenix are about 114% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 10% higher in Phoenix compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Phoenix, as living costs for a single person are 25% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Phoenix, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 19% higher than in Des Moines.
- Phoenix shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 12%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Phoenix are 23% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Arizona are 43% below those in Iowa. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Phoenix:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $75.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.75 |
| 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 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $34.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Phoenix, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Phoenix
| Des Moines | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 1,608,139 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 56 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 53.06 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 46.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Phoenix's population is about 130% greater than Des Moines.
- Phoenix's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Phoenix is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Phoenix 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.
- Phoenix's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 53.06 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Phoenix is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 46.94 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Phoenix is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Phoenix move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Arizona’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Arizona 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Phoenix. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Phoenix
Planning your move to Arizona's Urban Heart? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
After settling into your new Arizona home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL)Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)Phoenix Suns (NBA)Arizona Coyotes (NHL)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)Arizona Rattlers (IFL)Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Phoenix?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Phoenix? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Phoenix?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Phoenix in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Phoenix take?
The 1,400-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ, typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Phoenix.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
