Quick answer: A move from Boise to Des Moines costs $1,096–$9,694 and takes three to eight days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,361-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Boise guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Boise to Des Moines
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Boise to Des Moines isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your ID to IA move
Local movers servicing Boise to Des Moines moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Boise that also provides long-distance services to Des Moines can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Boise who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Boise to Des Moines.
- Valley Custom Moving LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- 208 Moving Company: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Merchant Moving & Storage, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3254761
Alternate Names: Valley Custom Transport LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Keltic Company Inc, Two Men And A Truck #327
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving and Storage of Idaho, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 81
DOT #: 1530842
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boise to Des Moines?
Boise movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,830 - $7,020 | $1,127 - $2,967 | $1,045 - $2,037 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,287 - $9,694 | $2,205 - $4,239 | $1,096 - $2,235 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,450 - $13,661 | $2,822 - $5,638 | $1,351 - $2,757 |
Cost to hire movers from Idaho to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Idaho to Iowa will cost between $1,830 and $7,020. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from ID to IA will range from $4,287 to $9,694, and a large move from Idaho to Iowa will cost from $7,450 to $13,661.
Cost of moving containers from Idaho to Iowa
When you're heading from Idaho to Iowa, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,127 and $2,967. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,205 and $4,239. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,822 to $5,638. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Idaho easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Idaho to Iowa
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,045 and $2,037. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,096 and $2,235. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,351 up to $2,757 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from Boise to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Boise to Des Moines
Moving from Boise to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boise than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boise compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Boise | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,495 | $1,150 |
Average home value | $481,661 | $192,347 |
Average income (per capita) | $76,468 | $58,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,100 | $1,891 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $4,380 |
Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 5.8% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 23% lower than in Boise, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 60.1% lower than in Boise. - Income in Des Moines is 23.5% lower than in Boise, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 53.9% lower than in Boise.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 35.7% less than what it costs in Boise.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 63.89% higher than in Boise.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Des Moines, since its sales taxes are 16.67% higher than what you are paying in Boise.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 24.14% lower than in Boise.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,383.66 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boise.
How life is different in Boise vs. Des Moines
Des Moines | Boise | |
---|---|---|
Population | 699,292 | 235,684 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
Walkability score | 45 | 88 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 99 |
Crime Index | 5.0 | 34.99 |
Safety Index | 57.8 | 65.01 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Des Moines is about 197% greater than Boise, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Des Moines offers better access to buses and trains than Boise, based on public transportation ratings. Des Moines has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Boise. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Des Moines neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Boise. Based on its score of 45 out of 100, Des Moines isn't as walkable as Boise, which has a score of 88 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Des Moines, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Boise. While Boise has a bike-friendliness score of 99 out of 100, Des Moines earned a 39. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Des Moines has a lower crime rate than Boise based on scores of 5.0 and Boise's 34.99, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Des Moines. With a crime index of 57.8, Des Moines ranks lower in overall safety than Boise, whose index is 65.01. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Des Moines and Boise is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Boise vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Iowa, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Des Moines Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you've decided to make the move to Hartford of the West, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East Village
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Salisbury Oaks
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
Now that you've made the move to Iowa it's the perfect time to explore Des Moines From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boise to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Boise to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boise.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boise to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Boise to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Boise to Des Moines take?
The 1,361-mile move from Boise, ID, to Des Moines, IA, takes three to eight days. Some Boise movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.