Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Tempe typically costs $3,300–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,391 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Tempe
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ typically costs $3,300–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,391-mile move from Des Moines to Tempe, 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 $4,747 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $6,477 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,819 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 23, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Tempe
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,400, but larger homes can run up to $10,800.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($900–$2,800) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tempe, AZ to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Tempe movers by type
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Local
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Tempe
For a stress-free interstate move from Des Moines to Tempe, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 37 Iowa moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tempe runs about 187% higher for singles and 55% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Tempe versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,810 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 2.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Tempe, note that rent can be roughly 59% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 145% higher in Tempe than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 10% higher in Tempe compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person is 187% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Tempe, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 55% more than it is in Des Moines.
- Tempe experiences an unemployment rate that is about 8% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 16% higher in Tempe than in Des Moines. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 43% lower in Arizona compared to Iowa. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Tempe:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Tempe.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Tempe.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Tempe.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Tempe.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Tempe.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Tempe.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Tempe
| Des Moines | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 75 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tempe's population is about 74% less than Des Moines.
- Tempe's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Tempe is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe 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.
- Tempe's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 42.36 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Tempe and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.64 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Tempe move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Arizona doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tempe smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tempe
Now that you've chosen Tempe as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tempe to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it's time to see what Tempe is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tempe offers cultural landmarks like the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Tempe?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Tempe are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Tempe?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Tempe are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Tempe take?
A move of 1,391 miles from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tempe is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
