Top Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Long Beach to Des Moines guide.

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
5. Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to California

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to California will cost between $1,355 and $5,418. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to CA will range from $3,451 to $8,027, and a large move from Iowa to California will cost from $6,639 to $11,103.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to California

If you're relocating from Iowa to California, you'll typically spend between $1,192 and $2,909 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,084 up to $4,554. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,871 and $5,872. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to California

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,184 and $2,188. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,231 and $2,679. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,522 up to $3,183 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Long Beach, since prices are typically 80% higher than in Des Moines.
• The home prices in Long Beach are 334.5% higher than in Des Moines, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Long Beach, where incomes are, on average, 35.1% higher than in Des Moines. Major employers in Long Beach include UTi Worldwide, Molina Healthcare, and Promises Behavioral Health.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Long Beach, since the cost of living for a single person in Long Beach is 41.8% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Long Beach, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Long Beach is 38.2% higher than in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Long Beach is 11.86% lower than in Des Moines.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Long Beach, since its sales taxes are 46.43% higher than what you are paying in Des Moines.
• State income taxes in Long Beach are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

• Long Beach might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 35% less than Des Moines.
• Long Beach offers better access to buses and trains than Des Moines, based on public transportation ratings. Long Beach has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 5 in Des Moines. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Long Beach means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Des Moines. Long Beach is considered more walkable than Des Moines, with a score of 73 out of 100 versus 45 out of 100 in Des Moines. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Long Beach is considered more bike-friendly than Des Moines in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Long Beach has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, while Des Moines is rated as 39 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Long Beach is higher than in Des Moines, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.58 in Long Beach, it is 5.0 in Des Moines. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Long Beach. With a crime index of 41.42, Long Beach ranks lower in overall safety than Des Moines, whose index is 57.8. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Long Beach and Des Moines is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• Weather: Long Beach has hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall.
• 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California 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: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Long Beach. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Belmont Shore
• Recreation Park
• Carroll Park
• Alamitos Beach
• Bluff Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bixby Village
• Los Altos
• Wrigley Heights
• Park Estates
• Alamitos Heights

Things to do in Long Beach

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Long Beach is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Long Beach, such as the The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art, Rancho Los Cerritos, Long Beach Museum of Art, and Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Bluff Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Bixby Park, and El Dorado Park West — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.