($804+) Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $804 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,622 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,391 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,142, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,622 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,297 - $4,590, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $804 - $2,397.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,846 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Tempe: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,846 - $6,216. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 67% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 3 to 8 days for this 1,391-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,391-mile route from Des Moines to Tempe, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,142 - $4,758 | $1,297 - $2,445 | $804 - $1,619 | $1,215 - $2,201 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,846 - $6,216 | $1,673 - $3,482 | $933 - $1,907 | $1,365 - $2,841 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,211 - $8,622 | $2,226 - $4,590 | $1,106 - $2,397 | $1,763 - $3,781 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ
For the 1,391-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tempe, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $2,142 and $8,622. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $292 - $1,948 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,142 - $4,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,846 - $6,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,211 - $8,622
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Des Moines to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tempe, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $487 - $4,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $195 - $1,169/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,338 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $974 - $2,922 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,435 - $9,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $730 - $1,386 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $974 - $2,435 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $779 - $3,409 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $292 - $1,461 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $633 - $1,948 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,409+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Tempe?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Arizona Moving Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,297 and $4,590. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,297 - $2,445
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,673 - $3,482
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,226 - $4,590
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $73 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $146 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $682 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Tempe, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Arizona move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,297. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,673 - $3,482.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Tempe?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Des Moines to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck for this 1,391-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $804 and $2,397. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $431 - $493
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $804 - $1,619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $933 - $1,907
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,106 - $2,397
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Tempe starts at $804 - $2,397, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($431 - $493), overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $431 - $493 for the 1,391-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $682.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,391-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $292 - $438 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $292.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Tempe?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tempe, Arizona.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,365 and $2,841.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,215 - $2,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,365 - $2,841
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,763 - $3,781
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $682.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tempe quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Tempe, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tempe, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 57.64/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Arizona, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 67 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,391-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Tempe, AZ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,142 - $8,622 on the 1,391-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,297 - $4,590 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $804 - $2,397 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,846 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tempe, AZ
Is Tempe a safe place to live?
Tempe has a safety index of 57.64 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.36, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($431 - $493), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.