$1,388 Movers From Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania averages from $759 to $7,167 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a professional Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Pennsylvania to Des Moines, IA guide.
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Pennsylvania. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Des Moines to Pennsylvania.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 927 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Des Moines to Pennsylvania moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from Des Moines to Pennsylvania is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Pennsylvania.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
|
|
|
|
|
|
rating
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania?
Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Des Moines to Pennsylvania:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,388 - $5,164 | $941 - $2,379 | $703 - $1,440 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,872 - $7,167 | $1,671 - $3,414 | $759 - $1,680 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,962 - $9,472 | $2,251 - $4,259 | $982 - $1,922 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 927 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.
The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Pennsylvania will cost between $1,388 to $5,164. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to PA will range from $2,872 to $7,167, and a large move from Des Moines to Pennsylvania will cost from $4,962 to $9,472.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania?
Moving pods from Des Moines to Pennsylvania will cost you $941 to $2,379. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,671 to $3,414. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,251 to $4,259. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Des Moines to Pennsylvania.
How much is a moving truck from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania?
A moving rental truck 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 $1,440. A larger move will cost $759 to $1,680, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Des Moines to Pennsylvania costs from $982 to $1,922.
Is moving from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania a good idea?
If you’re moving to Pennsylvania from Des Moines, IA, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Pennsylvania
| Des Moines, IA | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $958 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $254,802 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $73,170 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.4% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.07% |
Pennsylvania sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 24% less expensive in Pennsylvania than in Des Moines.
- Home prices are about 30.1% higher in Pennsylvania than in Des Moines.
- The average income is about 20.8% higher in Pennsylvania than in Des Moines.
- Pennsylvania has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 78.1%.
- Income taxes are 30.23% lower in Pennsylvania than in Des Moines.
How is life different in Des Moines, IA from Pennsylvania?
| Des Moines, IA | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 12,964,056 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Democratic 50-49 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 33" | 38" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 19.07 |
Pennsylvania sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Pennsylvania is approximately 1,754% greater than the population of Des Moines.
- In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Democratic and Des Moines voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Pennsylvania is 83ºF and in Des Moines, it’s 86ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Pennsylvania reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Des Moines gets down to 13ºF.
- You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Pennsylvania vs 36 inches of rainfall in Des Moines.
- In Pennsylvania, it snows about 38 inches annually vs 33 inches of snow in Des Moines.
- Pennsylvania has a higher crime rate than Des Moines with a crime index of 19.07 vs 5.0.
Considerations for moving to Pennsylvania
- Weather: Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage..
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Pennsylvania. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Des Moines movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
|
Get A Quote |
 
|
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 (515) 216-3654 |
| Black Belt Movers | Get A Quote |
|
1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA, 50023 (515) 393-4253 |
| Iowa Moving 1 | Get A Quote |
|
2958 99th St., Ste. 5, Des Moines, IA, 50322 (515) 975-2840 |
Visit our best movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Pennsylvania?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Pennsylvania.
Museums in Pennsylvania
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- The Hershey Story Museum
- National Civil War Museum
- SteelStacks
- Steamtown National Historic Site
- Asa Packer Mansion
- Duquesne Incline
- AACA Museum, Inc.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Barnes
- American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
- Bicycle Heaven
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
- America On Wheels Museum
Parks in Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Presque Isle State Park
- Core Creek Park
- Allentown Fish Hatchery
- Rocky Ridge County Park
- Lititz Springs Park
- Point State Park
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
- Nay Aug Park
- Nockamixon State Park
- Nixon Park Nature Center
- Heritage Rail Trail County Park
- Trexler Memorial Park
- Cedar Beach Park
Sports Teams in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Eagles Football (NFL)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
- Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
Universities in Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania
- Penn State University
- Carnegie Mellon University.
- University of Pittsburgh
- Temple University
- Drexel University
- Lehigh University
- Swarthmore College
- Villanova University
- Bryn Mawr College
- Bucknell University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Duquesne University
- Dickinson College
- Lock Haven University
Moving from Des Moines to Pennsylvania FAQs
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Pennsylvania?
Many people are moving to Pennsylvania because of low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Des Moines?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.
