Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Philadelphia typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,076 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Philadelphia
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,076-mile move from Des Moines to Philadelphia, 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $713 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,542 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,270 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Philadelphia move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,300 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $800 to $2,300, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Philadelphia movers by type
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Philadelphia
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Philadelphia much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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→PA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- 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%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Philadelphia runs about 34% higher for singles and 41% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Philadelphia versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,190 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.07% |
- Planning a move to Philadelphia? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 47% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Philadelphia are about 13% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 21% higher in Philadelphia compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Philadelphia, as living costs for a single person are 34% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Philadelphia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 41% higher than in Des Moines.
- Philadelphia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 80%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Philadelphia are 14% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 30% below those in Iowa. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Philadelphia
| Des Moines | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 67 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia's population is about 129% greater than Des Moines.
- Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia 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.
- Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 66.09 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 33.91 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Philadelphia move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Pennsylvania’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 Philadelphia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Planning your move to Philly? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Philadelphia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Philadelphia?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Philadelphia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Philadelphia?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia take?
The 1,076-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Philadelphia.
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 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
