Des Moines, IA to Hartford, CT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Hartford typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,209 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Des Moines to Hartford
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Hartford, CT typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,209-mile move from Des Moines to Hartford, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,409 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,776 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,009 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Hartford move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $900 to $2,300, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Hartford movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Des Moines to Hartford
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Hartford much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→CT movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Hartford
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Hartford runs about 10% higher for singles and 18% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,085 in Hartford versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,185 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Hartford | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,039 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,350 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $164,597 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $71,103 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,085 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,185 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 14.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.35% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.0% |
- Planning a move to Hartford? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 16% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 14% more affordable in Hartford compared to Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 22% higher in Hartford compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Hartford, as living costs for a single person are 10% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Hartford, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Hartford is 18% higher than in Des Moines.
- Hartford shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 137%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 9% less in Hartford relative to Des Moines. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Connecticut are 32% below those in Iowa. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Hartford:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $118.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.97 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $49.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Des Moines than in Hartford.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Hartford.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Hartford.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Hartford.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Hartford.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Hartford.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Hartford.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Hartford
| Des Moines | Hartford | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 121,054 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 54 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 63.75 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 36.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Hartford's population is about 83% less than Des Moines.
- Hartford's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Hartford is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Hartford 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.
- Hartford's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 63.75 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Hartford neighborhoods are safer than 63.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Hartford is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 36.25 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Hartford is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Hartford move
- 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: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) regulates in-state moving companies and taxi, trucking, and bus companies. In addition, customers are also protected from scam movers by regulations set forth by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Connecticut’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Connecticut 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 Hartford. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opting for Released Value Protection is a budget-friendly choice, as it comes at no extra cost from movers, although it provides minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover's liability is limited to a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. If your belongings are valuable and you seek coverage beyond this limited protection, it's recommended to discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Hartford
Planning your move to New England's Rising Star? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Hartford.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Asylum Hill
- Rocky Hill
- Manchester
- Sheldon-Charter Oak
- Cromwell
- East Windsor
Best neighborhoods for families
- Weatogue
- Avon
- Simsbury
- Glastonbury
- Farmington
- Glastonbury Center
- West Simsbury
Things to do in Hartford
After settling into your new Connecticut home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Hartford has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Hartford features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Mark Twain House & Museum, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Museum Of Connecticut History, and Hartford Armory.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Goodwin Park, Bushnell Park, and Riverside 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 Hartford Athletic (Soccer-USL Championship)Hartford Wolf Pack (Hockey-AHL)Hartford Yard Goats (Baseball-Eastern League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Hartford?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Hartford? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Hartford?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Hartford in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Hartford take?
The 1,209-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Hartford, CT, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Hartford.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
