($1,171) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Houston

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Houston, you can expect to spend between $1,171 and $4,628. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,471 to $5,927 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Houston typically runs between $4,186 and $7,673.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Houston

When moving from Des Moines to Houston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $761 and $1,949. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,453 to $2,708. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,975 up to $3,777. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Houston

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Houston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $630 and $1,134. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $686 and $1,431. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $803 and $1,654.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Houston, note that rent can be roughly 35% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 37% higher in Houston than in Des Moines.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 19% higher in Houston compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person is 46% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Houston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 63% more than it is in Des Moines.
• Houston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 31% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 18% higher in Houston than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• 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.

• Houston’s population is about 229% greater than Des Moines.
• Houston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
• Houston and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
• With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston 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.
• Houston’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 63.5 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Houston is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 36.5 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Texas doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Houston smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• Greenway/Upper Kirby
• Montrose
• Museum District

Best neighborhoods for families

• Clear Lake City
• Friendswood
• Kingwood
• Memorial
• Sugar Land

Things to do in Houston

After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it’s time to see what Houston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Houston offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.