($398+) Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Fargo, ND, runs anywhere from $398 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,675 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 477 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,247, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,675 or more.
- Moving containers run $919 - $3,121, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $398 - $1,073.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Fargo, ND. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,054 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND
Moving options from Des Moines to Fargo fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,054 - $5,352 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 80% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 477-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 477-mile route from Des Moines to Fargo, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,247 - $3,823, container $919 - $1,678, rental truck $398 - $758, freight trailer $835 - $1,450.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,054 - $5,352, container $1,224 - $2,293, rental truck $420 - $917, freight trailer $971 - $1,889.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,485 - $7,675, container $1,661 - $3,121, rental truck $534 - $1,073, freight trailer $1,252 - $2,354.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 477-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fargo, North Dakota, with prices running from $1,247 - $7,675. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $266 - $1,772 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Fargo are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,247 - $3,823
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,054 - $5,352
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,485 - $7,675
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Des Moines to Fargo.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fargo, 33% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Fargo?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Fargo with a local mover averages $2,034 - $5,299. A local mover in Des Moines, IA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #2 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,052 customers, 93.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fargo, North Dakota, cost between $919 and $3,121. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Fargo. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,224 - $2,293
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,661 - $3,121
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $133 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $620 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Fargo, ND, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to North Dakota move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $919. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,224 - $2,293.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Fargo?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Des Moines to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND
Plan on $398 - $1,073 for a rental moving truck on the 477-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fargo, North Dakota. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $134 - $154
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Fargo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $398 - $758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $420 - $917
- 4+ bedrooms: $534 - $1,073
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $398 - $1,073 does not include fuel ($134 - $154), lodging ($133/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Fargo typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $134 - $154 for the 477-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $620.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 477-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $133 per night, adding $266 - $399 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $44 and $266.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Fargo?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fargo, North Dakota, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $971 and $1,889.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $835 - $1,450
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $971 - $1,889
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,252 - $2,354
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $66 - $133 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $620.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Fargo?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Fargo. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Fargo, ND
Day-to-day costs in Fargo are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 91 versus 87, with average rent of $1,055/mo compared to $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 45/100 and 56.17/100 in Fargo.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to North Dakota over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 58 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 477-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Fargo, ND, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,247 - $7,675 on the 477-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $919 - $3,121, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $398 - $1,073. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,054 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Noridian Mutual Insurance Company and TMI Hospitality.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Fargo, ND
What are the best neighborhoods in Fargo?
For families, Rose Creek, Longfellow, and Southpointe are worth a look in Fargo. If you're moving solo or without kids, Longfellow, Rose Creek, and Southpointe tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $420 - $917. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Fargo a safe place to live?
Fargo has a safety index of 56.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 8.0, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.