Des Moines, IA to Dallas, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Dallas typically costs $2,500–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 696 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 Dallas
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Dallas, TX typically costs $2,500–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 696-mile move from Des Moines to Dallas, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $2,613 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $5,761 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $8,798 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 14, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 04, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Dallas move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,700 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,800 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 $600 to $1,500, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Dallas, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Dallas movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Des Moines to Dallas
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to Dallas 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 Dallas
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Dallas runs about 50% higher for singles and 78% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,828 in Dallas versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $7,793 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,616 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,504 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $303,900 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $68,291 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,828 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $7,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Dallas? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 54% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Dallas are about 58% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 17% higher in Dallas compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Dallas, as living costs for a single person are 50% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Dallas, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Dallas is 78% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Dallas is about 39% 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 Dallas 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 Dallas:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $227.04 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $76.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.76 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $41.69 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Dallas, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Dallas.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Dallas.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Dallas.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Dallas.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Dallas.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Dallas.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Dallas
| Des Moines | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 1,304,379 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 49 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 51.4 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 48.6 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Dallas's population is about 87% greater than Des Moines.
- Dallas's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Dallas and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Dallas 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.
- Dallas's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 51.4 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Dallas neighborhoods are safer than 51.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Dallas is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 48.6 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Dallas is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Dallas 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 Dallas. 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 Dallas
Planning your move to Big D? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Dallas.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Bishop Arts District
- Deep Ellum
- Design District
- Knox-Henderson
- Uptown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Preston Hollow
- Lake Highlands
- Uptown
- Preston Highlands
- Lakewood
- Richardson
- University Park
Things to do in Dallas
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Dallas has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Dallas features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Dallas Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake Park, Main Street Garden Park, and Fair Park — 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 Texas Rangers (MLB)Dallas Cowboys (NFL)Dallas Stars (NHL)Dallas Mavericks (NBA)FC Dallas (MLS)Dallas Wings (WNBA)Dallas Rattlers (MLL)Frisco Fighters (IFL)Dallas Jackals (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Dallas?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Dallas? 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 Dallas?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Dallas 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 Dallas take?
The 696-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Dallas, TX, typically takes one to six 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 Dallas.
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 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
