Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to St. Louis typically costs $1,900–$5,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 348 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to St. Louis
Moving from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO typically costs $1,900–$5,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 348-mile move from Des Moines to St. Louis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,801 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,040 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $1,737 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 16, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to St. Louis move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,700 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $400 to $1,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to St. Louis movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to St. Louis
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to St. Louis much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→MO movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to St. Louis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - St. Louis runs about 37% higher for singles and 50% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,589 in St. Louis versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,573 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $171,463 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $66,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,573 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.68% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.8% |
- Planning a move to St. Louis? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 9% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 11% more affordable in St. Louis compared to Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 13% higher in St. Louis compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in St. Louis, as living costs for a single person are 37% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to St. Louis, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in St. Louis is 50% higher than in Des Moines.
- St. Louis shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 7%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in St. Louis are 38% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Missouri are 9% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and St. Louis:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | |
| Gym membership | $66.67 |
How life is different in Des Moines vs. St. Louis
| Des Moines | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 293,310 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 66 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 58 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 69.65 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 30.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- St. Louis's population is about 58% less than Des Moines.
- St. Louis's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- St. Louis is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 66 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 58 out of 100, St. Louis 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. Louis's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 69.65 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- St. Louis is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 30.35 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in St. Louis is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to St. Louis 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Missouri’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Missouri does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to St. Louis. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in St. Louis
Planning your move to The Chess Capital of the World ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in St. Louis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central West End
- Downtown
- Lafayette Square
- Shaw
- Soulard
Best neighborhoods for families
- Hi-Pointe
- The Hill
- Lindenwood Park
- Shaw
- Skinker DeBaliviere
Things to do in St. Louis
After settling into your new Missouri home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, St. Louis has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: St. Louis features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the City Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, The Magic House, and Saint Louis Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, and Lone Elk Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an St. Louis Cardinals Baseball (MLB)St. Louis Blues (NHL)St. Louis City SC (MLS)St. Louis BattleHawks (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to St. Louis?
Planning your move from Des Moines to St. Louis? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to St. Louis?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to St. Louis in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to St. Louis take?
The 348-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in St. Louis.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
