Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Pittsburgh typically costs $2,500–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 778 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA typically costs $2,500–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 778-mile move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, 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
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,346 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $5,905 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,321 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 15, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 14, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Pittsburgh
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh may only cost $1,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($600–$1,800), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Pittsburgh movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Pittsburgh
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Pittsburgh
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Pittsburgh runs about 13% higher for singles and 14% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,129 in Pittsburgh versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,011 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,710 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,917 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $222,451 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $54,306 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,129 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,011 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.07% |
- Rent is about 30% more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 16% steeper in Pittsburgh compared to Des Moines.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 7% less in Pittsburgh than in Des Moines.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Pittsburgh, with the cost of living for a single person being 13% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Pittsburgh, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 14% higher than in Des Moines.
- Pittsburgh has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 20%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Pittsburgh and Des Moines (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 30% less in Pennsylvania compared to Iowa, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Pittsburgh:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $263.34 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $53.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Pittsburgh
| Des Moines | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 303,255 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 55 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 37.74 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 62.26 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Pittsburgh's population is about 57% less than Des Moines.
- Pittsburgh's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Pittsburgh is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Pittsburgh 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.
- Pittsburgh's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 37.74 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 62.26 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Pittsburgh move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Pittsburgh. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Pittsburgh
With your sights set on Birmingham of America, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Pittsburgh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenfield
- Oakland
- Polish Hill
- Shadyside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brookline
- Highland Park
- Point Breeze
- Regent Square
- Squirrel Hill North
Things to do in Pittsburgh
With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Pittsburgh. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Pittsburgh is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and The Andy Warhol Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End - Elliot Overlook Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh take?
The 778-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Pittsburgh, PA, takes two to seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Pittsburgh.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
