Des Moines, IA to Sacramento, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Sacramento typically costs $3,700–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,708 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Sacramento
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Sacramento, CA typically costs $3,700–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,708-mile move from Des Moines to Sacramento, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $5,589 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $9,100 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,995 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Mar 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Sacramento move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,600 for a one-bedroom, or up to $11,100 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,200 to $3,400, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Sacramento, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Sacramento movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Sacramento
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Sacramento much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Sacramento
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Sacramento runs about 40% higher for singles and 41% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,656 in Sacramento versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,191 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,080 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,540 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $476,699 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $78,954 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Sacramento? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 65% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Sacramento are about 148% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 35% higher in Sacramento compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Sacramento, as living costs for a single person are 40% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Sacramento, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Sacramento is 41% higher than in Des Moines.
- Sacramento shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 31%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Sacramento are 25% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 202% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Sacramento:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $356.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $61.14 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.27 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $47.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Sacramento, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Sacramento.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Sacramento.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Sacramento.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Sacramento.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Sacramento.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Sacramento.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Sacramento
| Des Moines | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 524,943 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 67 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 49.21 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 50.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Sacramento's population is about 25% less than Des Moines.
- Sacramento's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Sacramento is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Sacramento is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Sacramento's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 49.21 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Sacramento is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 50.79 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Sacramento move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Sacramento. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Sacramento
Planning your move to Almond Capital of the World? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Sacramento.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sacramento
- East Sacramento
- Land Park
- Natomas Park
- North Oak Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Village 7
- East Sacramento
- Natomas Park
Things to do in Sacramento
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Sacramento has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Sacramento features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Sacramento?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Sacramento? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Sacramento?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Sacramento in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Sacramento take?
The 1,708-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Sacramento, CA, typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Sacramento.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
