($630+) Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $630 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,752 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,990, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,752 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,140 - $3,703, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $630 - $1,739.
- 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 $2,422 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,422 - $6,164. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 929 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
- Full-service movers: $1,990 for a studio up to $7,752 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,140 - $3,703 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $630 - $1,739, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $987 - $2,873, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
For the 929-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,990 and $7,752. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $311 - $2,076 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start 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: $1,990 - $4,679
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,422 - $6,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,024 - $7,752
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.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $519 - $5,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% 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 coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% 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 items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,038 - $2,595 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $830 - $3,633 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $311 - $1,557 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,140 and $3,703. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,140 - $2,114
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,453 - $2,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,936 - $3,703
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 $1,140. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,453 - $2,965.
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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
Plan on $630 - $1,739 for a rental moving truck on the 929-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Austin, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $630 - $1,204
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $646 - $1,362
- 4+ bedrooms: $812 - $1,739
Pro tip: The base rate of $630 - $1,739 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Austin. Fuel ($307 - $351), lodging at around $156/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $78 and $363.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $156.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $307 and $351 for the 929-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $727 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Austin, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,208 and $2,304.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $987 - $1,754
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,304
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,533 - $2,873
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Austin, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
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 use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Texas over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 67 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 929-mile move.
Our take
The 929-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Austin, TX, costs between $1,990 and $7,752 with full-service movers, $1,140 - $3,703 with a moving container, and $630 - $1,739 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,422 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 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.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Austin?
For families, Rollingwood, West Lake, and Brushy Creek are worth a look in Austin. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cherrywood, North University, and Old West Austin tend to be popular picks instead.
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 $646 - $1,362. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Austin a safe place to live?
Austin has a safety index of 59.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.91, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.