Des Moines, IA to St. Petersburg, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to St. Petersburg typically costs $3,200–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,378 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to St. Petersburg
Moving from Des Moines, IA to St. Petersburg, FL typically costs $3,200–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,378-mile move from Des Moines to St. Petersburg, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $5,424 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,791 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $4,971 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 15, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to St. Petersburg move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,600 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,500 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 $2,700, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to St. Petersburg movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to St. Petersburg
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to St. Petersburg 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→FL 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 St. Petersburg
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - St. Petersburg runs about 40% higher for singles and 41% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,642 in St. Petersburg versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,178 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $360,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,374 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,642 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,178 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to St. Petersburg? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 80% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in St. Petersburg are about 87% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 10% higher in St. Petersburg compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in St. Petersburg, as living costs for a single person are 40% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to St. Petersburg, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in St. Petersburg is 41% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in St. Petersburg is about 22% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes hold steady between St. Petersburg and Des Moines (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and St. Petersburg:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | |
| Gym membership | $66.67 |
How life is different in Des Moines vs. St. Petersburg
| Des Moines | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 259,343 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 59 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 39.54 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 60.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- St. Petersburg's population is about 63% less than Des Moines.
- St. Petersburg's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- St. Petersburg and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, St. Petersburg 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.
- St. Petersburg's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 39.54 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that St. Petersburg neighborhoods are safer than 39.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- St. Petersburg and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 60.46 and 57.8.
- Air quality in St. Petersburg is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to St. Petersburg 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Florida’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Florida 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 St. Petersburg. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in St. Petersburg
Planning your move to Always in Season? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in St. Petersburg.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- North Downtown
- North Shore
- Crescent Lake
- Uptown
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Crescent Heights
- Holiday Park
- Euclid-St. Paul
- Magnolia Heights
- Snell Isle
Things to do in St. Petersburg
After settling into your new Florida home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, St. Petersburg has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: St. Petersburg features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Dali Museum, Chihuly Collection, Duncan McClellan Gallery, and Imagine Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sawgrass Lake Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Vinoy Park, and Skyway Fishing Pier State 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 Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship Soccer)Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL - Located in nearby Tampa)St. Petersburg AquaticsSt. Petersburg CardinalsSt. Petersburg Devil RaysSt. Petersburg FCSt. Petersburg Kickers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to St. Petersburg?
Planning your move from Des Moines to St. Petersburg? 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 St. Petersburg?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg take?
The 1,378-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to St. Petersburg, FL, typically takes three 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 St. Petersburg.
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.
