Des Moines, IA to Manchester, NH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Manchester typically costs $3,200–$7,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,338 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Manchester
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Manchester, NH typically costs $3,200–$7,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,338-mile move from Des Moines to Manchester, 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,025 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,405 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,663 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 23, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 14, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Manchester move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,600 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 $1,000 to $2,600, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Manchester movers by type
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Manchester
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Manchester 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→NH 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 Manchester
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Manchester runs about 30% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,449 in Manchester versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,256 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Manchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,767 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,461 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $410,329 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $67,132 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,449 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,256 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.0% |
- Planning a move to Manchester? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 74% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Manchester are about 113% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 15% higher in Manchester compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Manchester, as living costs for a single person are 30% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Manchester, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Manchester is 20% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Manchester is about 36% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Manchester 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 in New Hampshire are 9% below those in Iowa. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Manchester:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $218.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $51.38 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.01 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $27.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $81.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Manchester, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Manchester.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Manchester.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Manchester.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Manchester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Manchester.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Des Moines than in Manchester.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Manchester
| Des Moines | Manchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 115,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 42 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 56.09 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 43.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Manchester's population is about 83% less than Des Moines.
- Manchester's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Manchester is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 42 out of 100, Manchester 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.
- Manchester's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 56.09 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Manchester is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 43.91 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Manchester is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Manchester 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: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing movers that offer relocation services within the state. If you’ve already moved and had a dispute with your moving company, they may be able to help resolve the issue, but you’ll need to file a formal complaint first. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: New Hampshire’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: New Hampshire 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 Manchester. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for a cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Manchester
Planning your move to Queen City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Manchester.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Wilton
- Bedford
- Amherst
- Merrimack
- Milford
- Hooksett
- Brookline
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bedford
- Hollis
- Amherst
- Mont Vernon
Things to do in Manchester
After settling into your new New Hampshire home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Manchester has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Manchester features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Currier Museum of Art, Millyard Museum, Scouting Museum and Library, and Art 3 Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Lake Massabesic, Livingston Park, and Pine Island 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 New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Eastern League)Saint Anselm Hawks (NE-10)Southern New Hampshire Penmen (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Manchester?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Manchester? 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 Manchester?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Manchester 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 Manchester take?
The 1,338-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Manchester, NH, typically takes three to eight 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 Manchester.
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.
