Des Moines, IA to Augusta, GA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→GA 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 Augusta

Many movers find Augusta easier on the wallet than Des Moines - roughly 1% less for singles and 11% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,874 for one person in Augusta versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it's $3,881 compared with $4,380.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Des Moines	Augusta
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$1,250
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$1,625
Average home value	$192,347	$169,040
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$160,600
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$1,874
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$3,881
Unemployment rate	5.9%	5.2%
Sales tax	7.0%	8.5%
State income tax	4.4%	5.49%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Planning a move to Augusta? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 9% 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 12% more affordable in Augusta compared to Des Moines.
Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 175% higher in Augusta compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
Since the cost of living for a single person in both Augusta and Des Moines is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
A move to Augusta can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 11% less than what it costs in Des Moines.
The unemployment rate in Augusta is about 12% 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 in Augusta are 21% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
Income taxes in Georgia are 25% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Augusta:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Augusta
Basic utilities	$144.82	$200.76
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$55.33
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$3.92
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$2.25
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$13.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$71.50
Gym membership	$66.67	$27.50

Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Augusta, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Augusta.
Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Augusta.
Bread is more expensive in Des Moines than in Augusta.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Augusta.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Augusta.
Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Augusta.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Augusta

	Des Moines	Augusta
Population	699,292	202,081
Transportation score	5	2
Walkability score	45	22
Bike friendliness score	39	33
Crime index	5.0	48.46
Safety index	57.8	51.54
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Augusta's population is about 71% less than Des Moines.
Augusta's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
Augusta is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 22 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
Augusta has a bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
Augusta's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.46 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Augusta neighborhoods are safer than 48.46% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
Augusta is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 51.54 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
Air quality in Augusta is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Augusta 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: Georgia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: Georgia 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 Augusta. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Augusta

Planning your move to The Garden City of the South? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Augusta.

Best neighborhoods for singles

West Augusta
Sand Hills
Lake Aumond
Lakemont
National Hills

Best neighborhoods for families

Summerville
Forest Hills
West Augusta
Martinez
Evans

Things to do in Augusta

After settling into your new Georgia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Augusta has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Augusta features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Augusta Canal Discovery Center, Augusta Museum of History, Morris Museum of Art, and Meadow Garden.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Pendleton King Park, Reed Creek Nature Park, Augusta Common, and Springfield Village 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 Augusta GreenJackets (Low-A East)Soul City Sirens (WFTDA)Georgia Soul (WABA) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Augusta?

Planning your move from Des Moines to Augusta? 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 Augusta?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Augusta 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 Augusta take?

The 1,044-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Augusta, GA, 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 Augusta.

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.