($829+) Des Moines, IA to St. George, UT Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to St. George, UT

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to St. George, UT, runs anywhere from $870 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,016 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,296 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,203, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,016 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,317 - $4,721, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $870 - $2,224.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to St. George, UT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,953 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to St. George, UT

Moving options from Des Moines to St. George fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,953 - $6,796 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,296-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,296-mile route from Des Moines to St. George, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,203 - $5,313 $1,317 - $2,425 $870 - $1,596 $1,197 - $2,205
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,953 - $6,796 $1,698 - $3,347 $878 - $1,824 $1,317 - $2,845
4+ bedrooms $4,774 - $9,016 $2,349 - $4,721 $1,171 - $2,224 $1,822 - $3,851

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to St. George, UT

Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to St. George, Utah, costs between $2,203 and $9,016. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,296-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $289 - $1,924, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and St. George. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to St. George:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,203 - $5,313
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,953 - $6,796
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,774 - $9,016

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 St. George.

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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to St. George, UT

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In St. George, 83% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$481 - $4,810
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$192 - $1,154/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$289 - $2,309
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$962 - $2,886
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,405 - $9,620
Car shippingSecond vehicle$721 - $1,369
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving$962 - $2,405
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$770 - $3,367
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers$289 - $1,443
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC$625 - $1,924
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$289 - $14,430+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$289 - $3,367+

What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to St. George?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 St. George, UT

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to St. George, Utah, cost between $1,317 and $4,721. 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 St. George:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,317 - $2,425
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,698 - $3,347
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,349 - $4,721

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $144 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in St. George, UT, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $673 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

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 $1,317. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,698 - $3,347, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to St. George?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 St. George, UT

Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to St. George, Utah, range from $870 - $2,224 for the 1,296-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $397 - $453
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to St. George based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $870 - $1,596
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $878 - $1,824
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,171 - $2,224

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to St. George starts at $870 - $2,224, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($397 - $453) , overnight lodging ($144/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

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 $673.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $397 - $453 for the 1,296-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 $58 and $313, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $144 per night for hotel stops on the 1,296-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $289 - $433.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to St. George?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 St. George, UT

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to St. George, Utah. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,317 and $2,845.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to St. George:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $2,205
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,317 - $2,845
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,822 - $3,851

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

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 $673.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $72 - $144 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 St. George?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to St. George, 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 St. George, UT

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in St. George, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Des Moines, IA St. George, UT
Cost of living index87110
Average rent$1,150/mo$1,770/mo
Median home value$183,553$456,516
Average income$63,966/yr$72,870/yr
Unemployment rate5.9%2.9%
State income taxUp to 4.4%Up to 4.95%
Walkability score45/10027/100
Safety index57.8/10070.98/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 St. George, UT to Des Moines, IA guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Utah, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,296-mile move like this one.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 1,296-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to St. George, UT, run $2,203 - $9,016 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,317 - $4,721, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $870 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,953, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include LHC Health Services Inc and SkyWest Airlines Inc.

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to St. George, UT

How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to St. George, 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 are the best neighborhoods in St. George?

For families, Little Valley, Washington Field, and Desert Canyons are worth a look in St. George. If you're moving solo or without kids, Bloomington, Entrada, and Green Valley tend to be popular picks instead.

What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to St. George, 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 $878 - $1,824. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

Is St. George a safe place to live?

St. George has a safety index of 70.98 out of 100 and a crime index of 29.02, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

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.