Quick answer: Expect to pay $824 – $6,383 when moving from Des Moines to Philadelphia, with most moves taking two to eight days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 1,076 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Philadelphia to Des Moines.
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Philadelphia
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Des Moines to Philadelphia, 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.
There are 9 interstate moving companies in Des Moines, here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you to Philadelphia without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Des Moines?
How we chose the best movers IA→PA movers
Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Philadelphia move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Philadelphia can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Philadelphia.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
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
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Philadelphia?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,317 – $5,388 | $873 – $2,131 | $733 – $1,448 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,794 – $6,383 | $1,598 – $3,351 | $824 – $1,590 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,552 – $8,987 | $2,289 – $4,292 | $1,024 – $2,096 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Philadelphia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Philadelphia from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,317 and $5,388. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,794 to $6,383 for the trip from Des Moines to Philadelphia. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,552 and $8,987.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Philadelphia
Moving containers from Des Moines to Philadelphia will cost you $873 to $2,131 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,598 to $3,351. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,289 to $4,292. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Philadelphia
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Philadelphia typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $733 and $1,448 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $824 to $1,590. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,024 to $2,096.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Philadelphia move

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 Des Moines 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 |
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
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