Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Raleigh typically costs $3,000–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,111 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Raleigh
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC typically costs $3,000–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,111-mile move from Des Moines to Raleigh, 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
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $5,205 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $6,194 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,469 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 21, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 14, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Raleigh
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Raleigh may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,400.
- 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 ($800–$2,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Raleigh movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Raleigh
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Raleigh. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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→NC movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Raleigh
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Raleigh runs about 221% higher for singles and 39% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $6,077 in Raleigh versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,077 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,820 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $431,795 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $6,077 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.5% |
- Rent is about 45% more expensive in Raleigh 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 124% steeper in Raleigh compared to Des Moines.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 96% less in Raleigh than in Des Moines.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Raleigh, with the cost of living for a single person being 221% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Raleigh, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 39% higher than in Des Moines.
- Raleigh has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 27%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Raleigh and Des Moines (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are nearly the same between North Carolina and Iowa, within a 5% range. This consistency assures you of predictable financial planning during your state move.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Raleigh:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $64.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $40.18 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Raleigh, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Raleigh.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Raleigh.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Raleigh.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Raleigh.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Raleigh.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Raleigh.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Raleigh
| Des Moines | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 467,665 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 39 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 38.87 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 60.13 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Raleigh's population is about 33% less than Des Moines.
- Raleigh's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Raleigh is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Both Raleigh and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 39), meaning Raleigh is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Raleigh's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 38.87 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Raleigh and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 60.13 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Raleigh is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Raleigh move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Carolina, 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 Raleigh. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives 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 Raleigh
With your sights set on The City of Oaks, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Raleigh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Raleigh
- Five Points
- North Raleigh
- Northwest Raleigh
- West Raleigh
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oakwood
- Cameron Village
- Boylan Heights
- Hayes Barton
- North Hills
- Mordecai
- South Park
- Brier Creek
- Stonehenge
- Six Forks
Things to do in Raleigh
With your move to North Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Raleigh. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Raleigh is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, and Haywood Hall House & Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum — 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 Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)North Carolina FC (USL)North Carolina Courage (NWSL)Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Raleigh?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Raleigh. 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 Raleigh?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Raleigh? 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 Raleigh take?
The 1,111-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Raleigh, NC, takes two to eight 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 Raleigh.
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 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
