Des Moines, IA to New York City, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to New York City typically costs $3,000–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,107 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to New York City
Moving from Des Moines, IA to New York City, NY typically costs $3,000–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,107-mile move from Des Moines to New York City, 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
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,314 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,443 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,170 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 22, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 08, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to New York City
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to New York City may only cost $2,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,500.
- 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 New York City, NY to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to New York City 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 New York City
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to New York City. 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→NY 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 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 New York City 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: 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: 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, NY, 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 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
