Quick answer: Expect to pay $539–$6,288 for a move from Des Moines to Dayton, with most moves taking one to six days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 589 miles.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Dayton to Des Moines guide.

Our track recordtoggle

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Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

From Iowa to Ohio, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. Des Moines has 9 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.

After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in Des Moines for every moving option.

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Professional
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Dayton

When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Des Moines to Dayton, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.

Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Des Moines to Dayton without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Des Moines?toggle

Service availability isn’t the same everywhere. This table highlights how often movers in Des Moines offer each option, alongside figures for IA and nationwide, so you can quickly see what’s simple to book and what may require extra planning.

Service Des Moines (Count) Des Moines (%) Iowa (Count) Iowa (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 12 92% 29 97% 2836 98%
Unpacking 12 92% 29 97% 2801 97%
Fragile-only packing 4 31% 8 27% 718 25%
Packing materials 11 85% 24 80% 1684 58%
Storage
Storage 8 62% 23 77% 2502 87%
Climate-controlled storage 1 8% 5 17% 977 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 8 62% 17 57% 1887 65%
Art 7 54% 17 57% 1401 48%
Antiques 6 46% 14 47% 1401 48%
Piano 10 77% 22 73% 2176 75%
Hot tub 2 15% 3 10% 670 23%
Pool table 3 23% 7 23% 944 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to OH movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

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%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Local moving companies servicing Des Moines to Dayton moves

When planning a move from Des Moines to Dayton, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?

We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Des Moines who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.

These are the best local moving companies for getting from Des Moines to Dayton.

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  3. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  4. Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  5. Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/TwoMenAndATruckDesMoines, https://twitter.com/TwoMenDesMoines
92% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors.
Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/Allmightymovers/,
64% of all reviews were positive
36% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast, affordable, and careful—most customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged.
Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

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
https://www.facebook.com/adamantinespinemoving/,
100% of all reviews were positive
0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses.
Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they've had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn't resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantine’s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.
Show more
Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

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
https://www.facebook.com/SelectVanMoving/, https://x.com/mayflowermoving
68% of all reviews were positive
29% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Select Van & Storage Co. comes with strong benefits, as most customer feedback praises their professional and polite staff, quick moving process, and efficient service. Out of 34 reviews, over two-thirds are positive, highlighting helpful movers who keep pricing transparent, and jobs often completed faster or under budget compared to competitors. Customers frequently describe interactions as courteous, emphasize smooth experiences, and value responsive communication.
Some reviewers appreciated a detailed and upfront estimate process as well as careful handling of items. On the downside, many negative reports focus on late or unreliable deliveries, occasional damage or loss of items, and frustrating lapses in communication. Delayed pickups, items left behind, and slow claim responses stand out as key drawbacks when compared to top moving services. Input shows Select Van & Storage excels with professionalism and efficient handling, but clients looking for guaranteed timeliness and consistent communication may want to confirm all details before booking.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 223-8329

Company Info

Years in Business: 79

DOT #: 1098759

Alternate Names: Mayflower


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/pages/lint%20van%20lines,%20dsm,Ia/218222321536290/,
92% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Lint Van Lines means your belongings are in the hands of a reliable and dedicated team. After evaluating 226 pieces of customer feedback, 91.6% were positive, reflecting a strong reputation for professionalism, efficiency, careful item handling, consistent communication, and speedy moves. Clients praised courteous staff and the stress-free organization, making long and local relocations easier than expected.
On the downside, some experienced frustration from damaged items and delayed or poorly communicated deliveries, making claims difficult to resolve in a few cases. Compared to the moving industry, Lint Van Lines stands out for service quality and responsiveness but should improve consistency during claims and post-move support to satisfy every customer.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 265-8161

Company Info

Years in Business: 65

DOT #: 543541

Alternate Names: Lint Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Dayton?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,390 - $3,973 $749 - $1,825 $515 - $903
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,396 - $6,288 $1,493 - $2,872 $539 - $1,163
4+ bedrooms $4,409 - $9,371 $1,935 - $3,566 $659 - $1,418
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 589 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Ohio

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Ohio typically costs between $1,390 and $3,973. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,396 and $6,288 when moving from IA to OH. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Ohio, you're looking at costs ranging from $4,409 up to $9,371.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Ohio

Moving from Iowa to Ohio? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $749 and $1,825. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,493 to $2,872. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,935 up to $3,566. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Ohio

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $515 and $903. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $539 to $1,163. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $659 and $1,418.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Daytontoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Des Moines to Dayton might cost just $1,390 for a one-bedroom, but up to $7,707 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $515 and $1,265, though you'll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Dayton

Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Des Moines — roughly 16% less for singles and 14% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it’s $3,788 compared with $4,380.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

Des Moines Dayton
Average 1 BR rent $1,229 $1,192
Average 3 BR rent $1,763 $1,683
Average home value $192,347 $135,815
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $62,673
Unemployment rate 5.9% 6.8%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.5%
State income tax 4.4% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Dayton are 20% lower than in Des Moines, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Dayton.
    Home prices in Dayton are 29.4% lower than in Des Moines.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in Dayton, where incomes are, on average, 7.1% higher than in Des Moines. Major employers in Dayton include Morgan Linen & Uniform Services, Premier Physicians, and Maple Timber Acquisition LLC.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Dayton. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 15.8% lower than in Des Moines.
  • A move to Dayton can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 13.5% less than what it costs in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Dayton is 15.25% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Dayton, since its sales taxes are 7.14% higher than what you are paying in Des Moines.
  • One perk of moving to Dayton is paying less in state income taxes, which are 20.45% lower than in Des Moines.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Dayton, from monthly bills to routine purchases.

Des Moines Dayton
Basic utilities $144.82 $200.37
Cell phone plan $51.25 $44.17
Dozen eggs $3.61 $3.02
Loaf of bread $2.5 $2.61
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16 $15
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $77.5 $57.5
Gym membership $66.67 $33.34
  • Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Dayton.
  • Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Dayton.
  • Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Dayton.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Dayton.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Dayton.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Dayton.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Dayton

Dayton Des Moines
Population 137,644 699,292
Transportation Score 6 5
Walkability score 45 45
Bike friendliness score 47 39
Crime Index 4.0 5.0
Safety Index 40.68 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Dayton might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 80% less than Des Moines.
  • Dayton offers better access to buses and trains than Des Moines, based on public transportation ratings. Dayton has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Des Moines. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • You'll find Dayton to be about as walkable as Des Moines. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 45 and 45 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • If cycling is your thing, Dayton is considered more bike-friendly than Des Moines in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Dayton has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, while Des Moines is rated as 39 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Dayton as Des Moines. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Dayton. With a crime index of 40.68, Dayton ranks lower in overall safety than Des Moines, whose index is 57.8. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Dayton isn't as good as it is in Des Moines, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Dayton has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Des Moines is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Dayton move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Ohio doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • 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 Dayton. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Dayton

Now that you've decided to make the move to Gem City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Dayton.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Oakwood
  • Centerville
  • Springboro
  • Five Points
  • Bellbrook

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Downtown
  • Webster Station
  • Shroyer Park
  • Five Oaks
  • Gratton Hill

Things to do in Dayton

Once you're settled into your new home in Ohio, it's time to get out and discover what Dayton has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Dayton, such as the National Museum of the US Air Force, America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton International Peace Museum, and British Transportation Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League) and Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Dayton?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Dayton are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines. are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Dayton?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Dayton 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 Dayton take?

Moving from Des Moines, IA to Dayton, OH covers 589 miles and usually takes one to six days Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Dayton.

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 22 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2176 and 1401 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.

Helpful moving resources