($734+) Des Moines, IA to Salt Lake City, UT Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Salt Lake City, UT, runs anywhere from $727 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,816 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,065 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,356, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,816 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,292 - $3,993, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $727 - $2,057.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Salt Lake City, UT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,770 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 Salt Lake City, UT
Moving options from Des Moines to Salt Lake City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,770 - $6,348 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,065 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,065-mile route from Des Moines to Salt Lake City, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,356 - $4,996 with full-service movers, $1,292 - $2,223 with a container, $727 - $1,394 with a rental truck, or $1,151 - $2,063 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,770 - $6,348 full-service, $1,662 - $3,252 by container, $769 - $1,544 by rental truck, or $1,305 - $2,424 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,403 - $8,816 full-service, $2,094 - $3,993 by container, $938 - $2,057 by rental truck, or $1,658 - $3,329 by freight.
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 Salt Lake City, UT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,065-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Salt Lake City, Utah, with prices running from $2,356 - $8,816. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $302 - $2,012 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Salt Lake City are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,356 - $4,996
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,770 - $6,348
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,403 - $8,816
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 Salt Lake City.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Utah. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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 Salt Lake City, UT
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Salt Lake City, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $503 - $5,030 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $201 - $1,207/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $302 - $2,414 |
| 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 | $1,006 - $3,018 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,515 - $10,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $753 - $1,432 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,006 - $2,515 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $805 - $3,521 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $302 - $1,509 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $654 - $2,012 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $302 - $15,090+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $302 - $3,521+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Salt Lake City?
- 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 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 Salt Lake City, UT
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Salt Lake City, Utah, cost between $1,292 and $3,993. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,292 - $2,223
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,662 - $3,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,094 - $3,993
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Salt Lake City, UT. 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 $704 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 $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $151 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 Utah 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 $1,292. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,662 - $3,252, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Salt Lake City?
- 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 Salt Lake City, UT
Renting a moving truck for the 1,065-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Salt Lake City, Utah, costs between $727 and $2,057, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $341 - $390
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Salt Lake City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $727 - $1,394
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $769 - $1,544
- 4+ bedrooms: $938 - $2,057
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $727 - $2,057 does not include fuel ($341 - $390) , lodging ($151/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Salt Lake City typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $704.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $341 - $390 for the 1,065-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $327, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $151 per night for hotel stops on the 1,065-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $302 - $453.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Salt Lake City?
- 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 Salt Lake City, UT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Salt Lake City, Utah. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $905 and $2,424.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,063
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,305 - $2,424
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,658 - $3,329
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $704.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $151 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Salt Lake City?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Salt Lake City, UT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Salt Lake City, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 121 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,495/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $495,721 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $74,925/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 59/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 65.36/100 |
| 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Utah, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 36 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 1,065-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Salt Lake City, UT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,356 for a studio to $8,816 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,065-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,292 - $3,993. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $727 - $2,057, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,770 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Intermountain Healthcare and Alsco.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Salt Lake City, UT
Is Salt Lake City a safe place to live?
Salt Lake City has a safety index of 65.36 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.64, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Salt Lake City, UT?
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 $769 - $1,544. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City?
For families, East Bench, Greater Avenues, and Liberty Wells are worth a look in Salt Lake City. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capitol Hill, Central City, and East Bench tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Salt Lake City, UT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 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 Salt Lake City 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.
