($1,326) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Boston, MA

Quick answer: A typical 1,300-mile move from Des Moines to Boston runs $945 – $6,968 and takes about three to eight days. Costs vary based on how much you’re moving, when, and if you hire a company or go DIY.

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Black Belt Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Boston

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Boston will cost between $1,326 and $5,352. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to Des Moines will range from $2,918 to $6,968, and a large move from Des Moines to Boston will cost from $5,084 to $9,564.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Boston

If you’re moving from Des Moines to Boston, expect to pay between $1,016 and $2,465 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,782 up to $3,590. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,299 and $4,770. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Boston

Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Boston is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $832 and $1,542. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $945 and $1,872. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,097 up to $2,425 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent is estimated to be 196% higher in Boston compared to Des Moines; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
• Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 284% greater in Boston than in Des Moines.
• Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 53% higher in Boston than in Des Moines, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 155% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• When relocating to Boston, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 158% greater than in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rates of Boston and Des Moines are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
• Sales taxes drop 11% in Boston compared to Des Moines, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
• Income taxes are 105% higher in Massachusetts than in Iowa, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Boston’s population is within about 5% of Des Moines, so they’re very similar in size.
• Boston’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Boston is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston 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.
• Boston’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 39.88 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Boston and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 60.12 and 57.8.
• Air quality in Boston is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Massachusetts doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Boston. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Allston-Brighton
• Back Bay-Beacon Hill
• East Boston
• Jamaica Plain
• South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

• Charlestown
• East Boston
• Hyde Park
• Roslindale
• West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

Once you’re settled into your new home in Massachusetts, it’s time to get out and discover what Boston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.