Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Austin typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 929 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Des Moines to Austin
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 929-mile move from Des Moines to Austin, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 23, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $877 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,692 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,570 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Mar 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Mar 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Mar 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Mar 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 28, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Austin move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,700 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 $700 to $1,900, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Austin movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Des Moines to Austin
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Austin 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→TX 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 Austin
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Austin runs about 77% higher for singles and 78% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $3,345 in Austin versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $7,815 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Austin? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 53% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Austin are about 165% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 17% higher in Austin compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Austin, as living costs for a single person are 77% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Austin, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Austin is 78% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is about 41% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Austin are 18% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Texas 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Austin:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Austin, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Austin.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Austin.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Austin.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Austin.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Austin.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Austin
| Des Moines | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 54 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 39% greater than Des Moines.
- Austin's public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
- Austin is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Austin 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.
- Austin's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 42.91 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Austin and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 59.87 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Austin 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas 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 Austin. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Austin
Planning your move to ATX? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Austin has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Austin features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — 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 Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Austin?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Austin? 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 Austin?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Austin 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 Austin take?
The 929-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX, typically takes two to seven 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 Austin.
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 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
