($1,034+) Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,097 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,709 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,683 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,419, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,709 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,571 - $5,116, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,097 - $2,831.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,131 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Los Angeles: 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 $3,131 - $7,435. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,683-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 1,683-mile route from Des Moines to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,419 for a studio up to $10,709 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,571 - $5,116 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,097 - $2,831, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,427 - $4,352, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 11, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,683-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $2,419 and $10,709. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $351 - $2,340, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,419 - $5,404
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,131 - $7,435
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,732 - $10,709
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 Los Angeles.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to California. 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.
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Add-ons and specialty services from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Des Moines to Los Angeles) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $351 - $2,808 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Los Angeles | $193/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Los Angeles | $70/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Los Angeles | $63/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,571 and $5,116. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Los Angeles. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,571 - $3,015
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,937
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,714 - $5,116
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $819, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $88 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $176 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Los Angeles, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to California 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 $1,571. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,910 - $3,937, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Los Angeles?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA
Plan on $1,097 - $2,831 for a rental moving truck on the 1,683-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Los Angeles, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $627 - $716
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,097 - $2,047
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,106 - $2,410
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,410 - $2,831
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,097 - $2,831 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Los Angeles. Fuel ($627 - $716) , lodging at around $176/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $627 - $716 for the 1,683-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 $819.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,683-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $176 per night, adding $351 - $527 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $59 and $351.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Lower advertised base rates than U-Haul or Penske, combined with AAA, military, and online booking discounts, make Budget the most affordable major rental option.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable rental on this list. Penske runs one of the youngest fleets in the industry (averaging under 2 years old) and includes 24/7 roadside support and unlimited mileage on long-distance moves.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability pick. U-Haul's 23,000+ locations and 7 truck sizes make it the easiest rental to book on short notice, especially for one-way and same-day moves.
Freight trailer costs from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Los Angeles, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,559 and $3,374.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,427 - $2,636
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,559 - $3,374
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,127 - $4,352
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $88 and $176.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $819.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Los Angeles. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 405 real quotes from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,683-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,419 for a studio to $10,709 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,683-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,571 - $5,116. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,097 - $2,831, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,131 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Los Angeles run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
For families, Brentwood, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista are worth a look in Los Angeles. If you're moving solo or without kids, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Playa Del Rey tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,106 - $2,410. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Los Angeles a safe place to live?
Los Angeles has a safety index of 46.19 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.81, 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.
