($668+) Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $681 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,387 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 929 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,152, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,387 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,197 - $3,926, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $681 - $1,844.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,620 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Austin: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,620 - $6,033. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 929-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 929-mile route from Des Moines to Austin, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,152 - $5,159 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,197 - $2,154), rental truck ($681 - $1,239), or freight trailer ($1,025 - $2,017). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,620 - $6,033 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,387.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
Full-service movers for the 929-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Austin, Texas, cost between $2,152 and $8,387. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $311 - $2,076, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,152 - $5,159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,620 - $6,033
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,395 - $8,387
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Des Moines to Austin.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Austin, 81% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $519 - $5,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $208 - $1,246/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,491 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,038 - $3,114 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,595 - $10,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $777 - $1,477 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,038 - $2,595 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $830 - $3,633 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $311 - $1,557 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $675 - $2,076 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,633+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Austin?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,197 and $3,926. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $2,154
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,525 - $2,902
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,135 - $3,926
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Austin, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $727 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $156 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,197. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,525 - $2,902, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Austin?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Des Moines to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 929 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Austin, Texas, running $681 - $1,844. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $307 - $351
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $681 - $1,239
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $678 - $1,488
- 4+ bedrooms: $878 - $1,844
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Austin starts at $681 - $1,844, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($307 - $351) , overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $307 - $351 for the 929-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $727.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 929-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $156 per night, adding $311 - $467 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $311.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Austin?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Austin, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,232 and $2,492.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,025 - $2,017
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,232 - $2,492
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,332
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $78 - $156 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $727.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Austin?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Austin quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Austin, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 129 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 59.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 929-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Austin, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,152 - $8,387 on the 929-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,197 - $3,926 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $681 - $1,844 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,620 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Austin, TX
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($307 - $351), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $156/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $678 - $1,488. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $2,152 to $8,387, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,152 and $8,387, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Austin run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
