Des Moines, IA to El Paso, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to El Paso typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,130 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to El Paso
Moving from Des Moines, IA to El Paso, TX typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,130-mile move from Des Moines to El Paso, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,672 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,469 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,940 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Jan 24, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 16, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to El Paso
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to El Paso may only cost $2,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($800–$2,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from El Paso, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to El Paso movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to El Paso
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to El Paso. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to El Paso
Overall, Des Moines and El Paso land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $1,833 in El Paso and $1,891 in Des Moines, while families in El Paso see $4,360 versus $4,380 in Des Moines.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Des Moines | El Paso | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,059 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,704 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $223,218 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $58,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,360 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 31% more expensive in El Paso than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 16% steeper in El Paso compared to Des Moines.
- There's good news: the average income differences between El Paso and Des Moines are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between El Paso and Des Moines, you likely won't feel a significant change.
- The cost of living for a family between El Paso and Des Moines remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- El Paso has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 20%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both El Paso and Des Moines (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus El Paso:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $166.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $64.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.64 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $25.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in El Paso, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in El Paso.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in El Paso.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in El Paso.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in El Paso.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in El Paso.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in El Paso.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. El Paso
| Des Moines | El Paso | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 678,815 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 42 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 32.51 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 67.49 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- El Paso's population is within about 5% of Des Moines, so they’re very similar in size.
- El Paso's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- El Paso is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 42 out of 100, El Paso 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.
- El Paso's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 32.51 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that El Paso neighborhoods are safer than 32.51% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- El Paso is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 67.49 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in El Paso is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to El Paso move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to El Paso. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in El Paso
With your sights set on The City With a Legend, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in El Paso.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Castner Heights
- Cielo Vista
- Mesa Hills
- Mission Hills
- Sunset Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Album Park
- Castner Heights
- Cielo Vista
- Mesa Hills
- Montoya Heights
Things to do in El Paso
With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing El Paso. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: El Paso is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Museum of Archaeology, and Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Westside Community Park, Vista del Valle Park, Tom Lea Park, and Madeline Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an El Paso Chihuahuas (TAW)El Paso Locomotive FC (USLC)El Paso Rhinos (WSHL)UTEP Miners (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to El Paso?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to El Paso. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to El Paso?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to El Paso? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to El Paso take?
The 1,130-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to El Paso, TX, takes two to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in El Paso.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
