($1,029+) Des Moines, IA to Sacramento, CA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Sacramento, CA, runs anywhere from $1,029 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,995 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,708 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 $2,411, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,995 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,393 - $5,082, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,029 - $2,851.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Sacramento, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,104 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 Sacramento, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Sacramento: 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 $3,104 - $7,343. Containers cost roughly 38% 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 1,708 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 1,708-mile route from Des Moines to Sacramento, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,411 - $5,013 | $1,393 - $2,791 | $1,029 - $1,998 | $1,346 - $2,587 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,104 - $7,343 | $1,931 - $3,751 | $1,114 - $2,400 | $1,515 - $3,062 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,525 - $9,995 | $2,611 - $5,082 | $1,390 - $2,851 | $2,068 - $4,356 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Sacramento, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sacramento, California, costs between $2,411 and $9,995. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,708-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $309 - $2,060, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Sacramento. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,411 - $5,013
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,104 - $7,343
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,525 - $9,995
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 Sacramento.
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 Sacramento, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Sacramento, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $515 - $5,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $206 - $1,236/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $309 - $2,472 |
| 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 | $1,030 - $3,090 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,575 - $10,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $771 - $1,466 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,030 - $2,575 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $824 - $3,605 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $309 - $1,545 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $670 - $2,060 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $309 - $15,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $309 - $3,605+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Sacramento?
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 Sacramento, CA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sacramento, California, cost between $1,393 and $5,082. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,393 - $2,791
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,931 - $3,751
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,611 - $5,082
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $155 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $721 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Sacramento, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,393. 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 $1,931 - $3,751.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Sacramento?
- 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 Sacramento, CA
Plan on $1,029 - $2,851 for a rental moving truck on the 1,708-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sacramento, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $560 - $640
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Sacramento based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,029 - $1,998
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,400
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,390 - $2,851
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,029 - $2,851 does not include fuel ($560 - $640), lodging ($155/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Sacramento typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $155 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $67 and $335 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $560 - $640 in fuel for the 1,708-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $721 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Sacramento?
- 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,515 and $3,062.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,346 - $2,587
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,515 - $3,062
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,068 - $4,356
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $77 - $155 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $721.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Sacramento?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Sacramento fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Sacramento, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Sacramento, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 127 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,899/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $483,739 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $83,753/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 50.79/100 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 58 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,708-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Sacramento, 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 $2,411 - $9,995 on the 1,708-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,393 - $5,082, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,029 - $2,851. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,104 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 Sutter Health and SynGen.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?
For families, Boulevard Park, River Park, and Land Park are worth a look in Sacramento. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Sacramento, East Sacramento, and Land Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Sacramento, 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 $1,114 - $2,400. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Sacramento a safe place to live?
Sacramento has a safety index of 50.79 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.21, 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 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.