Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→MN movers

At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 37 Iowa moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Minneapolis

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Minneapolis runs about 106% higher for singles and 8% higher for families than Des Moines.

Singles spend around $3,900 in Minneapolis versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,710 compared with $4,380.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Des Moines	Minneapolis
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$1,688
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$2,707
Average home value	$192,347	$312,602
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$70,099
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$3,900
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$4,710
Unemployment rate	5.9%	4.5%
Sales tax	7.0%	9.03%
State income tax	4.4%	9.85%

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

Rent is estimated to be 29% higher in Minneapolis 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 63% greater in Minneapolis than in Des Moines.
Here's some promising news: the average income is around 20% higher in Minneapolis than in Des Moines, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
Be sure to budget for higher bills in Minneapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Minneapolis is 106% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
When relocating to Minneapolis, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Minneapolis is 8% greater than in Des Moines.
Minneapolis enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 24% lower compared to Des Moines, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
Sales taxes rise by 29% in Minneapolis over Des Moines, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
Income taxes are 124% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Des Moines and Minneapolis:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Minneapolis
Basic utilities	$144.82	$164.65
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$50.68
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$4.15
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$3.75
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$18.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$75.00
Gym membership	$66.67	$55.00

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

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Minneapolis

	Des Moines	Minneapolis
Population	699,292	425,115
Transportation score	5	8
Walkability score	45	71
Bike friendliness score	39	83
Crime index	5.0	56.06
Safety index	57.8	43.94
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Minneapolis's population is about 39% less than Des Moines.
Minneapolis's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
Minneapolis is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis 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.
Minneapolis's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 56.06 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
Minneapolis is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 43.94 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
Air quality in Minneapolis is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Minneapolis move

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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Minnesota 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 Minneapolis. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Where to live in Minneapolis

Now that you've decided to make the move to City of Lakes, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Minneapolis.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Linden Hills
Loring Park
Northeast Minneapolis
North Loop (Warehouse District)
Uptown
Whittier

Best neighborhoods for families

Diamond Lake
Fulton
Kenny
Linden Hills
Minnehaha

Things to do in Minneapolis

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

Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Minneapolis, such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, and The Museum of Russian Art.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal Park — 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 Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)Minnesota Twins (MLB)Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Des Moines to Minneapolis is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Minneapolis?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Minneapolis, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Minneapolis take?

Moving from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN covers 244 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Minneapolis.

Who can move pianos or antiques in Des Moines?

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Des Moines advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Des Moines provide antique moving services. State totals show 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.