($1,017+) Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to San Bernardino, CA, runs anywhere from $1,017 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,753 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,639 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 $2,302, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,753 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,426 - $5,027, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,017 - $2,786.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to San Bernardino, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,346 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to San Bernardino: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,346 - $7,364. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,639-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,639-mile route from Des Moines to San Bernardino, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,302 - $5,380 $1,426 - $2,939 $1,017 - $1,857 $1,379 - $2,670
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,346 - $7,364 $1,862 - $4,109 $1,080 - $2,442 $1,520 - $3,003
4+ bedrooms $5,969 - $10,753 $2,697 - $5,027 $1,429 - $2,786 $2,200 - $4,402

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,639-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to San Bernardino, California, with costs ranging from $2,302 - $10,753. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $299 - $1,996. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and San Bernardino. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to San Bernardino:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,302 - $5,380
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,346 - $7,364
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,969 - $10,753

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 San Bernardino.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Bernardino, 79% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$499 - $4,990
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$200 - $1,198/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$299 - $2,395
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$998 - $2,994
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,495 - $9,980
Car shippingSecond vehicle$748 - $1,420
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving$998 - $2,495
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$798 - $3,493
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers$299 - $1,497
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC$649 - $1,996
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$299 - $14,970+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$299 - $3,493+

What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to San Bernardino?

Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to San Bernardino, California, cost between $1,426 and $5,027. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to San Bernardino:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,426 - $2,939
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,862 - $4,109
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,697 - $5,027

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $75 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $150 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in San Bernardino, 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 $699 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 $1,426. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,862 - $4,109, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to San Bernardino?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
  • All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA

Plan on $1,017 - $2,786 for a rental moving truck on the 1,639-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to San Bernardino, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $520 - $595
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to San Bernardino based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,017 - $1,857
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,080 - $2,442
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,429 - $2,786

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to San Bernardino starts at $1,017 - $2,786, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($520 - $595) , overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $699.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $520 - $595 for the 1,639-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $324, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $150 per night for hotel stops on the 1,639-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $299 - $449.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to San Bernardino?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 San Bernardino, CA

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to San Bernardino, 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 $898 and $3,003.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to San Bernardino:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,379 - $2,670
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,520 - $3,003
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,200 - $4,402

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?

  • 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 $75 - $150 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $699.

What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to San Bernardino?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Bernardino, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Des Moines, IA San Bernardino, CA
Cost of living index87119
Average rent$1,150/mo$1,950/mo
Median home value$183,553$381,380
Average income$63,966/yr$63,988/yr
Unemployment rate5.9%10.6%
State income taxUp to 4.4%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score45/10045/100
Safety index57.8/10026.13/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 San Bernardino, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to San Bernardino, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,302 - $10,753 on the 1,639-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,426 - $5,027 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,017 - $2,786 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,346 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Stater Bros. Markets and Moss Bros..

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to San Bernardino, CA

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $2,302 to $10,753, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,302 and $10,753, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

How walkable is San Bernardino?

San Bernardino has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($520 - $595), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How do I know a mover is licensed in California?

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.

What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.