($717+) Des Moines, IA to New York City, NY Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to NYC, runs anywhere from $717 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,227 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,107 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,169, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,227 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,157 - $3,972, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $717 - $1,956.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to NYC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,683 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Moving options from Des Moines to NYC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,683 - $6,300 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 71% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,107 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,107-mile route from Des Moines to NYC, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,169 - $4,881 with full-service movers, $1,157 - $2,294 with a container, $717 - $1,405 with a rental truck, or $1,030 - $1,905 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,683 - $6,300 full-service, $1,582 - $3,132 by container, $768 - $1,574 by rental truck, or $1,228 - $2,431 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,263 - $8,227 full-service, $2,055 - $3,972 by container, $936 - $1,956 by rental truck, or $1,711 - $3,405 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to NYC
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,107-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to NYC, New York, with prices running from $2,169 - $8,227. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $363 - $2,420 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and NYC 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 NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,169 - $4,881
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,683 - $6,300
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,263 - $8,227
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 NYC.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New York City, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $605 - $6,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $242 - $1,452/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $363 - $2,904 |
| 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 | $1,210 - $3,630 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,025 - $12,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $906 - $1,722 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,210 - $3,025 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $968 - $4,235 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $363 - $1,815 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $787 - $2,420 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $363 - $18,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $363 - $4,235+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to NYC?
All three below meet the standards set by the New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most New York movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to NYC
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to NYC, New York, cost between $1,157 and $3,972. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,157 - $2,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,582 - $3,132
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,055 - $3,972
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $847 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $91 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $182 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your NYC, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to New York 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 $1,157. 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 $1,582 - $3,132.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to NYC?
- 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 NYC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,107 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to NYC, New York, running $717 - $1,956. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $426 - $487
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 NYC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $717 - $1,405
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $768 - $1,574
- 4+ bedrooms: $936 - $1,956
Pro tip: The base rate of $717 - $1,956 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to NYC. Fuel ($426 - $487), lodging at around $182/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $847.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $426 - $487 for the 1,107-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $73 and $393, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $182 per night for hotel stops on the 1,107-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $363 - $545.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to NYC?
- 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 NYC
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to NYC, New York. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,228 and $2,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,030 - $1,905
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,228 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,711 - $3,405
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $91 - $182 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 $847.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to NYC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs NYC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in NYC, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | NYC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 172 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $4,340/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $732,100 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $127,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 11.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 10.9% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 88/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 49.17/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New York City, NY to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to New York, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 67 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 1,107-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to NYC, 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 $2,169 - $8,227 on the 1,107-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,157 - $3,972, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $717 - $1,956. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,683 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to NYC tend to point to ample economic opportunity and diverse cuisine, though overcrowded and pollution come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include IBM and PepsiCo.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to NYC, NY
Is NYC a safe place to live?
NYC has a safety index of 49.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.83, 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 NYC?
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. New York also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New York?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($426 - $487), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $182/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.