$1,493 Movers From Des Moines to San Jose

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to San Jose, CA averages from $1,371 to $8,218 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to San Jose, CA.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Des Moines guide.

Moving from Des Moines to San Jose resources

Moving 1,827 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to San Jose?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,493 - $5,969 $1,343 - $3,095 $1,192 - $2,343
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,650 - $8,218 $2,188 - $4,855 $1,371 - $2,731
4+ bedrooms $7,073 - $11,792 $3,240 - $6,340 $1,678 - $3,377
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,827 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Des Moines to San Jose will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to San Jose?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to San Jose will cost between $1,493 to $5,969. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,650 to $8,218, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to San Jose will cost from $7,073 to $11,792.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to San Jose?

Moving containers from Des Moines to San Jose will cost you $1,343 to $3,095 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,188 to $4,855. A larger home will cost $3,240 to $6,340.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to San Jose?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,192 to $2,343. A larger move will cost $1,371 to $2,731, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to San Jose costs from $1,678 to $3,377. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Des Moines to San Jose moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to San Jose is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to San Jose.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to San Jose

Cost of living: Des Moines vs San Jose

Des Moines San Jose
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,900
Average home value $192,347 $1,316,960
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $80,833
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $3,650
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $8,139
Unemployment rate 5.9% 6.6%
Sales Tax 7.0% 9.38%
State Income Tax 4.4% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Jose are 152% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in San Jose are 584.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in San Jose is 38.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 93.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 85.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in San Jose is 11.86% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in San Jose are 34.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in San Jose are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,790.59 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines compared to San Jose?

San Jose Des Moines
Population 1,013,240 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 5
Walkability score 51 45
Bike friendliness score 62 39
Crime Index 30.44 5.0
Safety Index 49.73 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • San Jose's population is about 45% greater than Des Moines.
  • San Jose's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • San Jose is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • San Jose is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • San Jose's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 30.44 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 30.44% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • San Jose is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 49.73 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in San Jose is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to San Jose

  • Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel .
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Jose. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Des Moines movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.48 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154

Visit our best long distance movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in San Jose

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Man Jose", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Jose.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Burbank
  • Downtown
  • Evergreen
  • West San Jose
  • Willow Glen

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Berryessa
  • Cambrian Park
  • Evergreen
  • West San Jose
  • Willow Glen

What to do in San Jose

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Municipal Rose Garden
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Tech Museum of Innovation
  • Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
  • Los Gatos Creek Trail
  • San Jose Museum of Art
  • San Pedro Square Market
  • Willow Glen
  • San Jose Flea Market

Get your sports on!

San Jose is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
  • San Jose Giants (California League)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)

FAQs about moving from Des Moines to San Jose

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to San Jose?

The best time to move from Des Moines to San Jose is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 42ºF in San Jose.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to San Jose?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to San Jose in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about San Jose