Des Moines, IA to Moreno Valley, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Moreno Valley typically costs $3,500–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,656 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Moreno Valley
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Moreno Valley, CA typically costs $3,500–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,656-mile move from Des Moines to Moreno Valley, 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
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,175 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,843 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $8,063 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 15, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 09, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Moreno Valley
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,700, but larger homes can run up to $11,600.
- 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 ($1,200–$3,300) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Moreno Valley, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Moreno Valley movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Moreno Valley
For a stress-free interstate move from Des Moines to Moreno Valley, 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→CA 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 Moreno Valley
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Moreno Valley runs about 38% higher for singles and 35% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,611 in Moreno Valley versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,923 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Moreno Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $549,363 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $73,635 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,611 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,923 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 9.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Moreno Valley, note that rent can be roughly 122% 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 186% higher in Moreno Valley than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 26% higher in Moreno Valley compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Moreno Valley, since the cost of living for a single person is 38% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Moreno Valley, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Moreno Valley is 35% more than it is in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Moreno Valley is 54% higher compared to Des Moines, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 11% higher in Moreno Valley 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 202% higher in California compared to Iowa. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Moreno Valley:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | |
| Gym membership | $66.67 |
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley
| Des Moines | Moreno Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 208,634 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 37 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 40.24 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 59.76 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Moreno Valley's population is about 70% less than Des Moines.
- Moreno Valley's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Moreno Valley is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Both Moreno Valley and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 37), meaning Moreno Valley is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Moreno Valley's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 40.24 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Moreno Valley neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Moreno Valley and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 59.76 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Moreno Valley is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Moreno Valley 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California 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 Moreno Valley smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Moreno Valley
Now that you've chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Moreno Valley to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Northridge
- Box Springs
- Edgemont
- Towngate
- Serrano
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rancho Belago
- Sunnymead Ranch
- Hidden Springs
- Canyon Springs
- Moreno Highlands
Things to do in Moreno Valley
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Moreno Valley 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, Moreno Valley offers cultural landmarks like the March Field Air Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Box Springs Mountain Reserve and The M Hike — 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 Youth Baseball/SoftballYouth BasketballYouth SoccerSpecial Needs SportsYouth Track/RunningAdult BasketballAdult SoftballAdult VolleyballAdult Golf game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Moreno Valley?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley take?
A move of 1,656 miles from Des Moines, IA to Moreno Valley, CA generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Moreno Valley 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.
