($547+) Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Colorado Springs, CO, runs anywhere from $542 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,584 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 741 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,600, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,584 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,024 - $3,390, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $542 - $1,350.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Colorado Springs, CO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,352 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 Colorado Springs, CO
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Colorado Springs: 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 $2,352 - $5,402. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 741 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 741-mile route from Des Moines to Colorado Springs, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,600 for a studio up to $7,584 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,024 - $3,390 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $542 - $1,350, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $960 - $2,712, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO
For the 741-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, full-service movers cost between $1,600 and $7,584. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $289 - $1,924 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Colorado Springs:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,600 - $4,099
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,352 - $5,402
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,026 - $7,584
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 Colorado Springs.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Colorado. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Colorado Springs, CO
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Colorado Springs, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $481 - $4,810 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $192 - $1,154/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,309 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $962 - $2,886 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,405 - $9,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $721 - $1,369 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $962 - $2,405 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $770 - $3,367 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $289 - $1,443 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $625 - $1,924 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $289 - $14,430+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $289 - $3,367+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 Colorado Springs, CO
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, cost between $1,024 and $3,390. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Colorado Springs:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,024 - $1,861
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,383 - $2,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,834 - $3,390
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $72 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $144 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 $673 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 Colorado Springs, CO, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Colorado 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 $1,024. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,383 - $2,501, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
- 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:
- 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 Colorado Springs, CO
Renting a moving truck for the 741-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, costs between $542 and $1,350, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $227 - $259
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Colorado Springs based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $542 - $1,017
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $591 - $1,231
- 4+ bedrooms: $717 - $1,350
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Colorado Springs starts at $542 - $1,350, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($227 - $259) , overnight lodging ($144/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $72 and $337.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $144.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $227 and $259 for the 741-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $673 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
- 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 Colorado Springs, CO
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 Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,095 and $2,190.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Colorado Springs:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $960 - $1,726
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,095 - $2,190
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,381 - $2,712
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $673.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $72 and $144 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
- 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.
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.58/5 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Colorado Springs. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Colorado Springs, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Colorado Springs, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 110 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,799/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $419,923 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $83,198/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 36/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 58.06/100 |
| 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 Colorado Springs, CO to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Colorado, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 741-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 741-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Colorado Springs, CO, run $1,600 - $7,584 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,024 - $3,390, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $542 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,352, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include XAware and Vectrus.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Colorado Springs, CO
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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs, CO take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 Colorado Springs?
For families, Briargate, Northgate, and Old North End are worth a look in Colorado Springs. If you're moving solo or without kids, Briargate, East Colorado Springs, and Northeast Colorado Springs tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO?
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 $591 - $1,231. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Colorado Springs a safe place to live?
Colorado Springs has a safety index of 58.06 out of 100 and a crime index of 41.94, 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 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.