($956+) Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $956 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,401 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,259, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,401 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,453 - $5,232, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $956 - $2,643.
- 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 $3,077 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,077 - $6,666. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 64% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,683 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,259 - $5,045 | $1,453 - $2,817 | $956 - $1,817 | $1,307 - $2,560 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,077 - $6,666 | $1,932 - $3,789 | $1,107 - $2,206 | $1,560 - $2,880 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,744 - $10,401 | $2,635 - $5,232 | $1,316 - $2,643 | $1,966 - $4,267 |
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 Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,683-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $2,259 and $10,401. 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: $2,259 - $5,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,077 - $6,666
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,744 - $10,401
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.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Los Angeles, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| 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 | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,453 and $5,232. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,453 - $2,817
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,932 - $3,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,635 - $5,232
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $88 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $176 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Los Angeles, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $819 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,453. 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 $1,932 - $3,789.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Los Angeles?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,683 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Los Angeles, California, running $956 - $2,643. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $956 - $1,817
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,107 - $2,206
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,316 - $2,643
Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Los Angeles looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $956 - $2,643. But once you factor in fuel ($627 - $716), overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $88 and $410.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $176.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $627 and $716 for the 1,683-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $819 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Los Angeles, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,053 and $2,880.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,307 - $2,560
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,560 - $2,880
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,966 - $4,267
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $88 - $176 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $819.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Los Angeles, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 67 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 1,683-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,259 - $10,401 on the 1,683-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,453 - $5,232, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $956 - $2,643. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,077 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 4 to 15 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 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 $1,107 - $2,206. 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.
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.