Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Memphis typically costs $2,400–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 617 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Memphis
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN typically costs $2,400–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 617-mile move from Des Moines to Memphis, 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 $635 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,997 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $2,551 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 03, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 28, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 20, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Memphis
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Memphis may only cost $1,700, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,300.
- 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 ($500–$1,400), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Memphis movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Memphis
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Memphis. 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→TN 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 Memphis
Overall, Des Moines and Memphis land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $1,842 in Memphis and $1,891 in Des Moines, while families in Memphis see $4,402 versus $4,380 in Des Moines.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Des Moines | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,187 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,571 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $48,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 13% more expensive in Memphis than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 25% cheaper in Memphis than in Des Moines.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 18% less in Memphis than in Des Moines.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Memphis and Des Moines, you likely won't feel a significant change.
- The cost of living for a family between Memphis and Des Moines remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Memphis has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 36%. 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 in Memphis surpass those in Des Moines by 39%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Memphis:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $213.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $58.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Memphis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Memphis.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Memphis.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Memphis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Memphis.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Memphis
| Des Moines | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 633,104 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 41 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 77.49 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 22.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis's population is about 9% less than Des Moines.
- Memphis's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Memphis is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Both Memphis and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 41), meaning Memphis is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 77.49 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 22.51 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Memphis 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: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, 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 Memphis. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Memphis
With your sights set on Bluff City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Memphis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Memphis. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Memphis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — 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 Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Memphis?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Memphis. 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 Memphis?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Memphis? 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 Memphis take?
The 617-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Memphis, TN, takes one to six 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 Memphis.
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.
