Highly rated local moving companies for Des Moines to Billings moves
Organizing a move from Des Moines to Billings can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 13 local movers in Des Moines known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Des Moines to Billings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Billings?
On average, moving companies in Iowa charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,194 – $4,445 | $825 – $1,929 | $618 – $1,122 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,349 – $5,690 | $1,410 – $2,766 | $686 – $1,334 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,064 – $7,752 | $2,014 – $3,777 | $803 – $1,705 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Billings
When planning a move to Billings from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,194 and $4,445. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,349 and $5,690 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,064 to $7,752.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Billings
When you’re heading from Des Moines to Billings, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $825 and $1,929. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,410 and $2,766. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,014 to $3,777. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Billings
A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Billings is generally 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 $618 to $1,122. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $686 to $1,334, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Billings costs around $803 to $1,705.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Billings
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Billings may only cost $2,205, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,073.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($618–$1,608), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Billings
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Billings runs about -6% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $1,773 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,536 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,150 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,125 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 6.75% |
- Rent is about 13% more expensive in Billings than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 98% steeper in Billings compared to Des Moines.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 9% greater in Billings than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Billings. The cost of living for a single person there is 6% below that of Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a family between Billings and Des Moines remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Billings has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 31%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Billings has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Des Moines. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 53% more in Montana than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Billings:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $187.19 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $49.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.10 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $48.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Billings, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Billings.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Billings.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Billings.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Billings.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Billings.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Billings.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Billings
| Des Moines | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 184,167 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 47 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 48.63 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 50.37 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Billings’s population is about 74% less than Des Moines.
- Billings’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Billings is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Billings 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.
- Billings’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.63 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Billings is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 50.37 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Billings is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Billings move
- HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Billings are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Montana, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Montana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Billings. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Billings
With your sights set on Magic City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Billings.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Billings
- South Park
- Poly Vista
- North Park
- Shiloh Crossing
Best neighborhoods for families
- Josephine Crossing
- West End
- Heights
- Briarwood
- Ironwood Estates
Things to do in Billings
With your move to Montana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Billings. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Billings is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, and Yellowstone County Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Billings?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Billings. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Billings?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Billings? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Billings take?
The 939-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Billings, , takes two to seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Billings.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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