($385+) Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tulsa, OK, runs anywhere from $385 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,306 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 460 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,171, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,306 or more.
- Moving containers run $889 - $3,037, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $385 - $994.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tulsa, OK. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,997 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
Moving options from Des Moines to Tulsa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,997 - $4,946 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 78% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 460 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 460-mile route from Des Moines to Tulsa, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,171 - $3,871 | $889 - $1,636 | $385 - $718 | $800 - $1,429 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,997 - $4,946 | $1,220 - $2,257 | $435 - $818 | $919 - $1,751 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,283 - $7,306 | $1,636 - $3,037 | $527 - $994 | $1,272 - $2,431 |
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 Tulsa, OK
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 460-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, with prices running from $1,171 - $7,306. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $259 - $1,724 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Tulsa 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 Tulsa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,171 - $3,871
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,997 - $4,946
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,283 - $7,306
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 Tulsa.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tulsa, 43% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $431 - $4,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $172 - $1,034/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $259 - $2,069 |
| 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 | $862 - $2,586 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,155 - $8,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $646 - $1,227 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $862 - $2,155 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $690 - $3,017 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $259 - $1,293 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $560 - $1,724 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $259 - $12,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $259 - $3,017+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Tulsa?
Look for Oklahoma Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Oklahoma beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Tulsa with a local mover averages $1,997 - $4,946. Working with a local mover based in Des Moines, IA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,052 customers, 93.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, cost between $889 and $3,037. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Tulsa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $889 - $1,636
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,257
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,636 - $3,037
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 $603 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 $65 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $129 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 Tulsa, OK, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Oklahoma 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 $889. 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 $1,220 - $2,257.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Tulsa?
- 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 Tulsa, OK
A rental truck for this 460-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, costs between $385 and $994. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $126 - $144
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Tulsa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $385 - $718
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $435 - $818
- 4+ bedrooms: $527 - $994
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Tulsa starts at $385 - $994, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($126 - $144), overnight lodging ($129/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $65 and $302.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $129.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $126 and $144 for the 460-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $603 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Tulsa?
- 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 Tulsa, OK
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $919 and $1,751.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Tulsa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $800 - $1,429
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $919 - $1,751
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,431
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $65 - $129 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $603.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Tulsa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tulsa fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Tulsa, OK
Good news for your budget: Tulsa isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Des Moines. Cost of living index runs 85 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 here versus 39/100 and 48.06/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Oklahoma, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 67 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 460-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tulsa, OK, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,171 for a studio to $7,306 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 460-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $889 - $3,037. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $385 - $994, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,997 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Imperial and Hilti.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tulsa, OK
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tulsa run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK?
Costs on this route range from around $385 to $7,306, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,171 and $7,306, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Tulsa?
Tulsa has a walkability score of 39 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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.