Des Moines, IA to Tallahassee, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Tallahassee typically costs $3,000–$7,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,136 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 Tallahassee
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Tallahassee, FL typically costs $3,000–$7,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,136-mile move from Des Moines to Tallahassee, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $6,975 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,517 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,574 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 09, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 04, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Tallahassee
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,500, but larger homes can run up to $9,900.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($900–$2,100) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tallahassee, FL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Tallahassee movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Des Moines to Tallahassee
For a stress-free interstate move from Des Moines to Tallahassee, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 37 Iowa moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Tallahassee
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tallahassee runs about 7% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,019 in Tallahassee versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,631 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Tallahassee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,610 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,007 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $283,504 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $49,077 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,019 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,631 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Tallahassee, note that rent can be roughly 23% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 47% higher in Tallahassee than in Des Moines.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 16% less in Tallahassee than in Des Moines.
- Plan for higher expenses in Tallahassee, since the cost of living for a single person is 7% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Tallahassee, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Tallahassee is 6% more than it is in Des Moines.
- Tallahassee experiences an unemployment rate that is about 14% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 7% higher in Tallahassee than in Des Moines. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Tallahassee:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Tallahassee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $149.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $42.92 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $2.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.32 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $23.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Tallahassee, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Tallahassee
| Des Moines | Tallahassee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 201,731 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 45 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 58.35 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 41.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tallahassee's population is about 71% less than Des Moines.
- Tallahassee's public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
- Tallahassee is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 45 out of 100, Tallahassee 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.
- Tallahassee's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 58.35 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Tallahassee neighborhoods are safer than 58.35% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Tallahassee is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 41.65 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Tallahassee is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Tallahassee move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Florida doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tallahassee smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tallahassee
Now that you've chosen Tally as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tallahassee to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Midtown
- College Town
- Railroad Square Art District
- Governor’s Square
- Magnolia Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Killearn Estates
- Southwood
- Betton Hills
- Killearn Lakes
- Piney Z
Things to do in Tallahassee
After getting comfortable in your new Florida home, it's time to see what Tallahassee is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tallahassee offers cultural landmarks like the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum, Tallahassee Museum, Museum of Florida History, and Florida Historic Capitol Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Cascades Park, Dorothy B Oven Park, Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park, and Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Florida State Seminoles (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Tallahassee?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Tallahassee are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Tallahassee?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Tallahassee are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Tallahassee take?
A move of 1,136 miles from Des Moines, IA to Tallahassee, FL generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tallahassee is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
