Baltimore, MD to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

Cost to move from Baltimore to Des Moines

Moving from Baltimore, MD to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,578–$6,188 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,019-mile move from Baltimore to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of March 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

On average, moveBuddha users save 30% by comparing options with our moving cost calculator.

Estimated moving costs from Baltimore, MD to Des Moines, IA

Move size	Professional movers	Moving container	Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom	$2,111–$4,848	$1,303–$2,449	$719–$1,364
2–3 bedrooms	$2,578–$6,188	$1,745–$3,438	$792–$1,722
4+ bedrooms	$4,399–$8,527	$2,376–$4,479	$1,056–$2,116

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

These are real moving quotes similar to your Baltimore to Des Moines move using our proprietary live pricing feed. Exact pricing can vary, but the examples below show what movers have actually charged for similar move sizes and service types.

North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,436 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.

1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,500 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.

Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,139 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.

Best Baltimore to Des Moines movers by type

Safeway Moving

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Veteran owned
Portion to charity

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

American Van Lines

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

(866) 835-2392

Allied Van Lines

rating

4.2 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience

Get A Quote

(866) 825-0554

Factors that impact the cost of moving from Baltimore to Des Moines

Long-distance movers calculate prices using a few key details about your move.

Shipment size and weight: Interstate movers primarily price moves based on shipment weight and the amount of space your items take up in the truck. Smaller moves can start around $2,111, while larger homes may reach $8,527 or more depending on inventory.
Distance and route logistics: The move from Baltimore to Des Moines covers about 1,019 miles. Longer routes increase transportation costs and may require additional fuel, driver time, and coordination.
Move date and demand: Moving companies charge more during busy periods like summer and month-end weekends. Flexible scheduling, such as moving mid-week or mid-month, can sometimes lower your quote.
Service level you choose: Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading, which raises the price. Containers and rental trucks are often cheaper because you handle more of the work yourself.
Access at pickup and delivery: Long carries, stairs, elevators, or limited truck parking can add labor time and increase your total moving cost.

Other factors to consider for your Baltimore to Des Moines move

HOA rules: Check any neighborhood or community rules on moving to avoid delays on move day.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, find out how to reserve it for move day.
Truck parking permits: Some cities require permits for large vehicles and moving trucks, check local rules 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 is properly licensed 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 typically require moving permits, but it’s still smart to check local parking restrictions before move-in day.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: State rules differ on mover insurance. 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.

What to know before moving from Baltimore to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Baltimore, the average cost of living is about 15% less for singles and 14% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,223 for one person in Baltimore versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it’s $5,088 compared with $4,380.

See the breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings may add up:

	Baltimore	Des Moines
Average 1 bedroom rent	$1,892	$1,229
Average 3 bedroom rent	$3,333	$1,763
Average home value	$180,790	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$58,349	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$2,223	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,088	$4,380
Unemployment rate	7.9%	5.9%
Sales tax	6.0%	7.0%
State income tax	5.75%	4.4%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 28% lower in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
Home prices are about 6% higher in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
Average income is within about 5% of the same in Baltimore and Des Moines.
Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate than Baltimore by about 25%.
Sales tax is higher in Des Moines than in Baltimore.
State income tax is lower in Iowa than in Maryland.

How common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Baltimore and Des Moines

Here's a breakdown of typical everyday costs in both cities:

Living expense	Baltimore	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$182	$145
Cell phone plan	$57	$51
Dozen eggs	$4	$4
Loaf of bread	$4	$3
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20	$16
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$80	$78
Gym membership	$58	$67

Basic utilities cost more in Baltimore than in Des Moines.
A quick meal costs more in Baltimore than in Des Moines.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Baltimore than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Baltimore vs. Des Moines

Here are some ways life is different between Baltimore and Des Moines:

	Baltimore	Des Moines
Population	585,708	699,292
Transportation score	8	5
Walkability score	64	45
Bike friendliness score	53	39
Crime index	72.72	5.0
Safety index	27.28	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Des Moines's population is about 19% greater than Baltimore.
Des Moines has a lower public transportation score (5 out of 10) than Baltimore (8).
Des Moines is less walkable (45 out of 100) than Baltimore (64).
Des Moines is less bike friendly (39 out of 100) than Baltimore (53).
Des Moines has a lower crime index than Baltimore (5.0 vs 72.72).
Des Moines has a higher safety index than Baltimore (57.8 vs 27.28).
Air quality in Baltimore is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

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 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

After settling into your new home in Iowa, you can start exploring what Des Moines has to offer:

Arts and culture:Des Moines is home to museums and cultural attractions 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 are great places for walks, trails, and time outside.
Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Baltimore to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Baltimore.

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

Want to save on your move from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Des Moines take?

The 1,019-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some Baltimore 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 Baltimore movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 7 movers offer special pricing for military members. 12 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 Baltimore?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 42 movers in Baltimore provide piano moving services. 32 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 37 piano movers and 30 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.

Helpful moving resources

Planning your move

Find the best movers

Cost guides

Ryan Carrigan

Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

Baltimore, MD to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

Cost to move from Baltimore to Des Moines

Estimated moving costs from Baltimore, MD to Des Moines, IA

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

Best Baltimore to Des Moines movers by type

Best professional movers from Baltimore to Des Moines

Best moving containers from Baltimore to Des Moines

Best rental trucks for Baltimore to Des Moines

Local movers that can help with Baltimore to Des Moines moves

Labor-only movers in Baltimore

Factors that impact the cost of moving from Baltimore to Des Moines

Other factors to consider for your Baltimore to Des Moines move

What to know before moving from Baltimore to Des Moines

How common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Baltimore and Des Moines

How life is different in Baltimore vs. Des Moines

Where to live in Des Moines

Best neighborhoods for singles

Best neighborhoods for families

Things to do in Des Moines

FAQ

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

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

How long does a move from Baltimore to Des Moines take?

What kinds of discounts do Baltimore movers offer?

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Baltimore?

Helpful moving resources

Planning your move

Find the best movers

Cost guides