($840) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to St. Paul

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to St. Paul, you can expect to spend between $840 and $2,966. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,510 to $4,378 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to St. Paul typically runs between $2,020 and $5,864.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to St. Paul

When moving from Des Moines to St. Paul, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $583 and $1,400. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,079 to $2,075. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,406 up to $2,516. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to St. Paul

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to St. Paul. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $265 and $489. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $298 and $614. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $383 and $716.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to St. Paul, note that rent can be roughly 17% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 45% higher in St. Paul than in Des Moines.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 9% higher in St. Paul compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in St. Paul, since the cost of living for a single person is 92% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in St. Paul and Des Moines, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
• St. Paul experiences an unemployment rate that is about 17% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 41% higher in St. Paul than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 124% higher in Minnesota compared to Iowa. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• St. Paul’s population is about 57% less than Des Moines.
• St. Paul’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• St. Paul is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 64 out of 100, St. Paul 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.
• St. Paul’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 50.86 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• St. Paul is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 49.14 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in St. Paul is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Minnesota doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches St. Paul smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• St. Anthony Park
• Summit Hill
• Summit-University
• Union Park

Best neighborhoods for families

• Macalester-Groveland
• Summit Hill
• Highland
• Union Park
• St. Anthony Park

Things to do in St. Paul

After getting comfortable in your new Minnesota home, it’s time to see what St. Paul is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, St. Paul offers cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, and James J. Hill House.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Minnesota Wild (NHL)St. Paul Saints (MiLB)St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)Minnesota United FC (MLS)Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)Minnesota Wind Chill (AUDL) game.