Des Moines, IA to Atlanta, GA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Atlanta typically costs $2,700–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 892 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Atlanta
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Atlanta, GA typically costs $2,700–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 892-mile move from Des Moines to Atlanta, 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
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,317 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $1,954 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $653 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 16, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 06, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Atlanta
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Atlanta may only cost $2,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($700–$1,800), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Atlanta movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Atlanta
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Atlanta. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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→GA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Atlanta
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Atlanta runs about 66% higher for singles and 79% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $3,134 in Atlanta versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $7,822 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,810 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,039 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $388,167 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $66,107 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $7,822 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.9% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.49% |
- Rent is about 65% more expensive in Atlanta than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 102% steeper in Atlanta compared to Des Moines.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 13% greater in Atlanta than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Atlanta, with the cost of living for a single person being 66% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Atlanta, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 79% higher than in Des Moines.
- Atlanta and Des Moines have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes in Atlanta surpass those in Des Moines by 27%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 25% more in Georgia than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Atlanta:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $200.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $57.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.13 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.96 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $46.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Atlanta, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Atlanta.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Atlanta.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Atlanta.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Atlanta.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Atlanta.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Atlanta.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Atlanta
| Des Moines | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 498,715 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 42 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 64.23 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 35.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Atlanta's population is about 29% less than Des Moines.
- Atlanta's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Atlanta is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 42 out of 100, Atlanta 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.
- Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 64.23 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Atlanta is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 35.77 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Atlanta is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Atlanta move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Georgia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Georgia, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Atlanta. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Atlanta
With your sights set on The Atl, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Atlanta.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cabbagetown
- Inman Park
- Midtown
- Old Fourth Ward
- Virginia-Highland
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avondale Estates
- Buckhead
- Candler Park
- Decatur
- Druid Hills
- Inman Park
- Mountain Park
- North Decatur
- Poncey-Highland
- Virginia-Highland
Things to do in Atlanta
With your move to Georgia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Atlanta. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Atlanta is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and Hammonds House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Atlanta Braves (MLB)Atlanta Falcons (NFL)Atlanta Hawks (NBA)Atlanta United (MLS)Atlanta Dream (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Atlanta?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Atlanta. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Atlanta?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Atlanta? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Atlanta take?
The 892-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Atlanta, GA, takes two to seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Atlanta.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
