$1,089 Movers From Indianapolis to Des Moines

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA averages from $441 to $5,234 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Indianapolis moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Des Moines, IA.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Indianapolis guide.

Moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines resources

Moving 477 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines?

Indianapolis movers charge $75 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 $1,089 - $2,973 $663 - $1,642 $417 - $795
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,930 - $5,234 $1,234 - $2,380 $441 - $925
4+ bedrooms $3,653 - $7,349 $1,641 - $3,024 $531 - $1,136
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 477 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Indianapolis, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Des Moines will cost between $1,089 to $2,973. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,930 to $5,234, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Indianapolis to Des Moines will cost from $3,653 to $7,349.

How much are moving container companies from Indianapolis to Des Moines?

Moving containers from Indianapolis to Des Moines will cost you $663 to $1,642 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,234 to $2,380. A larger home will cost $1,641 to $3,024.

How much is a moving truck from Indianapolis to Des Moines?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $417 to $795. A larger move will cost $441 to $925, and a four-bedroom move from Indianapolis to Des Moines costs from $531 to $1,136. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Indianapolis to Des Moines moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Indianapolis to Des Moines is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Indianapolis to Des Moines.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines

Cost of living: Indianapolis vs Des Moines

Indianapolis Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,150
Average home value $217,513 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $54,321 $58,492
Cost of Living (single person) $892 $1,891
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,139 $4,380
Unemployment rate 5.6% 5.9%
Sales Tax 7.0% 7.0%
State Income Tax 3.15% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 11% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • Home prices in Des Moines are 11.6% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • Income in Des Moines is 7.7% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 112.0% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 39.5% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 5.36% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Des Moines and Indianapolis.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 39.68% higher than in Indianapolis.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,359.87 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.

How is life different in Indianapolis compared to Des Moines?

Des Moines Indianapolis
Population 699,292 887,642
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 45 31
Bike friendliness score 39 43
Crime Index 5.0 59.06
Safety Index 57.8 40.94
Air Quality Good Good
  • Des Moines's population is about 21% less than Indianapolis.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a similar score to Indianapolis.
  • Des Moines is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Indianapolis's 31 out of 100.
  • Des Moines is less bike-friendly than Indianapolis with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Indianapolis's 43.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 5.0 compared to Indianapolis's 59.06. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 59.06%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 57.8 vs Indianapolis's 40.94.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Indianapolis it's good.

Considerations for moving to Des Moines

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Indianapolis movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
All My Sons Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2817 E 55th Pl Suite 103, Indianapolis, IN, 46220
(317) 820-2093
Planes Moving & Storage Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2635 Planes Dr, Indianapolis, IN, 46219
(317) 895-1444

Visit our best long distance movers in Indianapolis page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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:

  • 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

What to do in Des Moines

These are some of the best things to do in your new Iowa home.

  • State Capitol
  • Science Center of Iowa
  • John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Salisbury House & Gardens
  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Principal Park
  • East Village
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
  • Water Works Park
  • Iowa State Fair
  • Hoyt Sherman Place
  • Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Get your sports on!

Des Moines is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Drake Bulldogs

FAQs about moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines

When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 86ºF and the winter lows of 13ºF in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines?

Because most people are moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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