($1,324) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Sacramento, CA

Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,098 – $7,101 when moving from Des Moines to Sacramento, with most moves taking four to 15 days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 1,708 miles.

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Black Belt Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Sacramento

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Sacramento from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,324 and $5,434. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,385 to $7,101 for the trip from Des Moines to Sacramento. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,909 and $10,578.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Sacramento

Moving containers from Des Moines to Sacramento will cost you $1,146 to $2,688 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,043 to $3,970. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,572 to $5,270. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Sacramento

Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Sacramento typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $1,089 and $1,971 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,098 to $2,393. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,470 to $2,957.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.