$1,428 Movers From Des Moines to Memphis

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN averages from $580 to $6,241 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Memphis, TN.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Memphis to Des Moines guide.

Moving from Des Moines to Memphis resources

Moving 617 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Memphis?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,428 - $4,053 $785 - $2,073 $543 - $1,014
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,534 - $6,241 $1,461 - $2,870 $580 - $1,156
4+ bedrooms $4,324 - $9,245 $2,068 - $3,858 $718 - $1,397
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 617 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 to Memphis 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.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to Memphis?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Memphis will cost between $1,428 to $4,053. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,534 to $6,241, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Memphis will cost from $4,324 to $9,245.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Memphis?

Moving containers from Des Moines to Memphis will cost you $785 to $2,073 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,461 to $2,870. A larger home will cost $2,068 to $3,858.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Memphis?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $543 to $1,014. A larger move will cost $580 to $1,156, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Memphis costs from $718 to $1,397. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Des Moines to Memphis moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Memphis 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 Memphis.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Memphis

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Memphis

Des Moines Memphis
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,250
Average home value $192,347 $144,552
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $43,981
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $1,782
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,206
Unemployment rate 5.9% 8.0%
Sales Tax 7.0% 9.75%
State Income Tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Memphis are 9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Memphis are 24.8% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Memphis is 24.8% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Memphis is 5.8% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Memphis is 4.0% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Memphis is 35.59% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Memphis are 39.29% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Memphis are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,827.08 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines compared to Memphis?

Memphis Des Moines
Population 633,104 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 35 45
Bike friendliness score 41 39
Crime Index 76.27 5.0
Safety Index 23.73 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Memphis's population is about 9% less than Des Moines.
  • Memphis's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower 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.
  • Memphis is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Memphis's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 76.27 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 76.27% 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 23.73 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Memphis is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Memphis

  • Weather: Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your 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 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee 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 forwarded to Memphis. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Des Moines movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154

Visit our best long distance movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Memphis

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Bluff City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Memphis

These are some of the best things to do in your new Tennessee home.

  • Elvis Presley Graceland
  • Stax Museum of American Soul Music
  • Memphis Zoo
  • National Civil Rights Museum
  • Dixon Gallery and Gardens
  • Mud Island River Park
  • Memphis Botanic Garden
  • Sun Studio
  • Victorian Village
  • National Ornamental Metal Museum

Get your sports on!

Memphis is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
  • Memphis Hustle (NBA G League)

FAQs about moving from Des Moines to Memphis

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Memphis?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Memphis is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 91ºF and the winter lows of 30ºF in Memphis.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Memphis?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Memphis in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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