$977 Movers From Des Moines to Minneapolis

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN averages from $343 to $4,936 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Minneapolis, MN.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Minneapolis to Des Moines guide.

Moving from Des Moines to Minneapolis resources

Moving 244 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Minneapolis?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $977 - $3,584 $650 - $1,547 $326 - $585
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,755 - $4,936 $1,291 - $2,436 $343 - $700
4+ bedrooms $2,277 - $6,684 $1,635 - $2,778 $436 - $774
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 244 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 to Minneapolis 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.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to Minneapolis?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Minneapolis will cost between $977 to $3,584. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,755 to $4,936, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Minneapolis will cost from $2,277 to $6,684.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Minneapolis?

Moving containers from Des Moines to Minneapolis will cost you $650 to $1,547 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,291 to $2,436. A larger home will cost $1,635 to $2,778.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Minneapolis?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $326 to $585. A larger move will cost $343 to $700, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Minneapolis costs from $436 to $774. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Des Moines to Minneapolis moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis.

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 are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Minneapolis

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Minneapolis

Des Moines Minneapolis
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,585
Average home value $192,347 $317,760
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $70,099
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $1,308
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,725
Unemployment rate 5.9% 4.5%
Sales Tax 7.0% 6.88%
State Income Tax 4.4% 9.85%
  • Rent prices in Minneapolis are 38% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Minneapolis are 65.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Minneapolis is 19.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Minneapolis is 30.8% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Minneapolis is 7.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Minneapolis is 23.73% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Minneapolis are 1.71% lower than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Minneapolis are 123.86% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,075.09 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines compared to Minneapolis?

Minneapolis Des Moines
Population 429,954 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 71 45
Bike friendliness score 83 39
Crime Index 55.8 5.0
Safety Index 44.2 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Minneapolis's population is about 39% less than Des Moines.
  • Minneapolis's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher 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.
  • Minneapolis is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 83 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Minneapolis's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 55.8 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 55.8% 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 44.2 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Minneapolis is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Minneapolis

  • Weather: Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your 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 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Minnesota 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 forwarded to Minneapolis. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Des Moines movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.48 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154

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

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

What to do in Minneapolis

These are some of the best things to do in your new Minnesota home.

  • Walker Art Center
  • Mall Of America
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art
  • Orpheum Theatre
  • Minnesota Orchestra
  • Minnesota Children's Museum
  • Minnehaha Falls
  • Target Field
  • Guthrie Theater
  • Mill City Museum

Get your sports on!

Minneapolis is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)
  • Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
  • Minnesota Twins (MLB)
  • Minnesota Vikings (NFL)

FAQs about moving from Des Moines to Minneapolis

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 transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 7ºF in Minneapolis.

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

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Minneapolis in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about Minneapolis