($1,118) Cost to Move From Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA

1. Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
3. Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Boston to Des Moines

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to Des Moines will cost between $1,118 and $4,758. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Boston to Boston will range from $2,597 to $5,912, and a large move from Boston to Des Moines will cost from $4,740 to $8,597.

Cost of moving containers from Boston to Des Moines

If you’re moving from Boston to Des Moines, expect to pay between $931 and $2,350 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,618 up to $3,124. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,127 and $4,497. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck from Boston to Des Moines 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 $781 and $1,506. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $828 and $1,810. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,040 up to $2,185 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• If you’re heading to Des Moines from Boston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 66% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
• Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 74% less in Des Moines than in Boston.
• Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 34% lower in Des Moines compared to Boston.
• 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 61% lower than in Boston.
• Choosing to move to Des Moines can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 61% less than in Boston.
• The unemployment rates of Des Moines and Boston are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
• Sales taxes rise by 12% in Des Moines over Boston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
• Income taxes are 51% less in Iowa than in Massachusetts. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.

• Des Moines’s population is within about 5% of Boston, so they’re very similar in size.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Boston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 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 Boston, which has a score of 86.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Boston with a score of 5.0 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
• Des Moines and Boston have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 60.12.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Boston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Iowa doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
• Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in Iowa, it’s time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• 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, 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Drake Bulldogs game.