Des Moines, IA to Boise, ID Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Boise typically costs $3,200–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,360 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Boise
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Boise, ID typically costs $3,200–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,360-mile move from Des Moines to Boise, 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,295 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,058 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $4,078 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 11, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Boise move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,600 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 Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Boise movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Boise
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Boise 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→ID 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 Boise
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Boise runs about 117% higher for singles and 55% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $4,100 in Boise versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,810 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,579 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,475 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $481,661 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $76,468 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $4,100 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.8% |
- Planning a move to Boise? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 30% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Boise are about 150% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 31% higher in Boise compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Boise, as living costs for a single person are 117% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Boise, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boise is 55% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Boise is about 39% 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 are 14% less in Boise relative to Des Moines. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Idaho are 32% 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 Boise:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $136.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $49.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.88 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $39.83 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Des Moines than in Boise.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Boise.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Boise.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Boise.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Boise.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Boise.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Boise.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Boise
| Des Moines | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 235,684 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 99 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 34.99 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 65.01 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Boise's population is about 66% less than Des Moines.
- Boise's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Boise is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, Boise 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.
- Boise's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 34.99 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Boise neighborhoods are safer than 34.99% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Boise is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 65.01 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Boise is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Boise 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: In Idaho, in-state movers are regulated by and must register with the Idaho Transportation Department. In cases of unresolvable disputes with local movers, they may help. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Idaho’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Idaho 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 Boise. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection for minimal coverage, provided by movers at no extra charge. With liability capped at 60 cents per pound per article, consider alternative coverage options from your selected moving company or explore third-party insurance for full value protection.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Boise
Planning your move to City of Trees? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Boise.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Bench
- Downtown Boise
- East End
- North End
- Southeast Boise
Best neighborhoods for families
- Collister
- Depot Bench
- North End
- Southwest Ada
- West Valley
Things to do in Boise
After settling into your new Idaho home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Boise has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Boise features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Idaho State Museum, Boise Art Glass, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, and Discovery Center of Idaho.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Camel's Back Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, Julia Davis Park, and Barber 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 Boise Hawks (Pioneer League)Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Boise?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Boise? 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 Boise?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Boise 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 Boise take?
The 1,360-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Boise, ID, 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 Boise.
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.
