Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Des Moines typically costs $1,900–$4,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 332 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Des Moines
Moving from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA typically costs $1,900–$4,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 332-mile move from Chicago to Des Moines, 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $428 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,009 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,889 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 24, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 14, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 04, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Des Moines may only cost $1,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,100.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Des Moines movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Des Moines
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Chicago to Des Moines. 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 IL→IA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 100 Illinois 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 Chicago to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 48% less for singles and 53% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 44% less expensive in Des Moines than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 35% cheaper in Des Moines than in Chicago.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 18% less in Des Moines than in Chicago.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 48% below that of Chicago.
- A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 53% lower compared to Chicago.
- Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 34%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 32% cheaper in Des Moines compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 11% less in Iowa compared to Illinois, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Des Moines
| Chicago | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 39 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 75% less than Chicago.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 5.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 57.8 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Des Moines 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: 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: To confirm a moving company's license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, 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 Des Moines. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — 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 Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Des Moines?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Des Moines? 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 Chicago to Des Moines take?
The 332-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 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.
