$1,173 Movers From Des Moines, IA to Kentucky

Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Kentucky averages from $589 to $5,994 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Kentucky to Des Moines, IA guide.

Moving from Des Moines, IA to Kentucky resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Kentucky. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 684 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Des Moines to Kentucky moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Des Moines to Kentucky is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Kentucky.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Kentucky?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Des Moines to Kentucky:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,173 - $3,968 $780 - $1,904 $499 - $1,023
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,204 - $5,994 $1,309 - $2,746 $589 - $1,145
4+ bedrooms $4,175 - $8,115 $1,880 - $3,599 $722 - $1,401
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 684 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Kentucky will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Des Moines, IA to Kentucky?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Kentucky will cost between $1,173 to $3,968. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to KY will range from $2,204 to $5,994, and a large move from Des Moines to Kentucky will cost from $4,175 to $8,115.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Des Moines, IA to Kentucky?

Moving pods from Des Moines to Kentucky will cost you $780 to $1,904. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,309 to $2,746. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,880 to $3,599. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Des Moines to Kentucky.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines, IA to Kentucky?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $499 to $1,023. A larger move will cost $589 to $1,145, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Des Moines to Kentucky costs from $722 to $1,401.

Is moving from Des Moines, IA to Kentucky a good idea?

If you’re moving to Kentucky from Des Moines, IA, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Kentucky

Des Moines, IA Kentucky
Average rent cost $1,150 $783
Average home cost $192,347 $196,580
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $60,183
Unemployment rate 5.9% 4.2%
State income tax 4.4% 4.5%
  • Rent is about 46% less expensive in Kentucky than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices are about 2.0% higher in Kentucky than in Des Moines.
  • The average income is about 2.4% higher in Kentucky than in Des Moines.
  • Kentucky has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 53.1%.
  • Income taxes are 2.27% higher in Kentucky than in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines, IA from Kentucky?

Des Moines, IA Kentucky
Population 699,292 4,512,310
Political leaning Democratic 57-41 Republican 62-36
Summer high 86ºF 87ºF
Winter low 13ºF 24ºF
Annual rain 36" 48"
Annual snow 33" 11"
Crime index 5.0 20.19
  • The population of Kentucky is approximately 545% greater than the population of Des Moines.
  • In the last presidential election, Kentucky voted Republican and Des Moines voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Kentucky is 87ºF and in Des Moines, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Kentucky reaches the temperature of 24ºF and Des Moines gets down to 13ºF.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in Kentucky vs 36 inches of rainfall in Des Moines.
  • In Kentucky, it snows about 11 inches annually vs 33 inches of snow in Des Moines.
  • Kentucky has a higher crime rate than Des Moines with a crime index of 20.19 vs 5.0.

Considerations for moving to Kentucky

  • Weather: Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kansas rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South..
  • 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 you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Kentucky does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Kentucky. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Des Moines movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Iowa Moving 1 Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
2958 99th St., Ste. 5, Des Moines, IA, 50322
(515) 975-2840
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA, 51111
(712) 252-1335

Visit our best movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Kentucky?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Kentucky.

Museums in Kentucky

  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
  • Kentucky Derby Museum
  • Ark Encounter
  • National Corvette Museum
  • The National Quilt Museum
  • Kentucky Horse Park
  • Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)
  • Muhammad Ali Center
  • Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum
  • Dinosaur World
  • Mary Todd Lincoln House
  • Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
  • Creation Museum
  • William Arnold Log House
  • Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate

Parks in Kentucky

  • Smothers Park
  • Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
  • Natural Bridge State Resort Park
  • Red River Gorge Geological Area
  • Freeman Lake Park
  • Boone County Veterans Memorial Park
  • The Parklands of Floyds Fork
  • Louisville Waterfront Park
  • Devou Park
  • Iroquois Park
  • Bob Noble Park
  • Frank Webb Memorial Park
  • Central Park
  • Cherokee Park
  • Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Sports Teams in Kentucky

  • Bellarmine Knights (NCAA)
  • Eastern Kentucky Colonels (NCAA)
  • Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA)
  • Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
  • Morehead State Eagles (NCAA)
  • Murray State Racers (NCAA)
  • Northern Kentucky Norse (NCAA)
  • Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (NCAA)

Universities in Kentucky

  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Eastern Kentucky University
  • Georgetown College
  • Northern Kentucky University
  • Berea College
  • Murray State University
  • Bellarmine University
  • Morehead State University
  • Kentucky State University
  • Centre College
  • Transylvania University
  • Asbury University
  • Campbellsville University

Moving from Des Moines to Kentucky FAQs

Why are people moving from Des Moines to Kentucky?

Many people are moving to Kentucky because of low cost of living and abundant outdoor adventures.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Des Moines?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Kentucky