Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Highly rated local moving companies for Des Moines to New York City moves
Organizing a move from Des Moines to New York City 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 New York City.
- 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 New York City?
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 | $1,196 – $4,841 | $815 – $2,010 | $703 – $1,378 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,709 – $6,115 | $1,506 – $3,162 | $768 – $1,654 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,219 – $7,898 | $2,034 – $4,012 | $917 – $1,936 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to New York City
When planning a move to New York City from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,196 and $4,841. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,709 and $6,115 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,219 to $7,898.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to New York City
When you’re heading from Des Moines to New York City, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $815 and $2,010. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,506 and $3,162. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,034 to $4,012. 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 New York City
A moving rental truck from Des Moines to New York City 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 $703 to $1,378. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $768 to $1,654, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to New York City costs around $917 to $1,936.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to New York City
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to New York City may only cost $2,375, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,763.
- 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 ($703–$1,825), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to New York City
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – New York City runs about 201% higher for singles and 244% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $5,683 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $15,081 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $3,992 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $8,817 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $752,778 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $78,058 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $5,683 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $15,081 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 11.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 10.9% |
- Rent is about 277% more expensive in New York City 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 291% steeper in New York City compared to Des Moines.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 33% greater in New York City than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in New York City, with the cost of living for a single person being 201% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to New York City, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 244% higher than in Des Moines.
- New York City has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 90%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in New York City surpass those in Des Moines by 14%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 148% more in New York 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 New York City:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | New York City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $186.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $57.90 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $6.33 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $5.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $28.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $159.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in New York City, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in New York City.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in New York City.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in New York City.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in New York City.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in New York City.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Des Moines than in New York City.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. New York City
| Des Moines | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 8,258,035 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 69 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 50.83 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 49.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- New York City’s population is about 1081% greater than Des Moines.
- New York City’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- New York City is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, New York City 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.
- New York City’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 50.83 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- New York City is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 49.17 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in New York City is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to New York City move
- HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and New York City 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in New York, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in New York, 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 New York City. 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. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in New York City
With your sights set on The Big Apple, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in New York City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Astoria, Queens
- Lower East Side, Manhattan
- Murray Hill, Manhattan
- Upper East Side, Manhattan
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Best neighborhoods for families
- Battery Park City, Manhattan
- Forest Hills, Queens
- Great Kills, Staten Island
- Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Riverdale, Bronx
Things to do in New York City
With your move to New York complete, you can dive right into experiencing New York City. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: New York City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, and New York Public Library.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square 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 Brooklyn Nets (NBA)Long Island Nets (NBA G League)New York City FC (MLS)New York Giants (NFL)New York Islanders (NHL)New York Jets (NFL)New York Knicks (NBA)New York Liberty (WNBA)New York Mets (MLB)New York Rangers (NHL)New York Red Bulls (MLS)New York Yankees (MLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to New York City?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to New York City. 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 New York City?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to New York City? 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 New York City take?
The 1,107-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to New York City, , 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 New York City.
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
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
