Detroit, MI to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MI→IA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 84 Michigan movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Detroit - roughly 24% less for singles and 34% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $6,687.

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

	Detroit	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,325	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$2,542	$1,763
Average home value	$73,156	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$37,761	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$2,500	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$6,687	$4,380
Unemployment rate	9.06%	5.9%
Sales tax	6.0%	7.0%
State income tax	4.25%	4.4%

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

When relocating from Detroit to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 8% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Des Moines are about 163% higher than those in Detroit.
Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 55% higher in Des Moines compared to Detroit, which might allow for more savings or investments.
You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 24% lower compared to Detroit.
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 34% less than what it costs in Detroit.
The unemployment rate in Des Moines is about 35% lower than in Detroit. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
Sales taxes in Des Moines are 17% more than in Detroit, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
Income taxes have a close resemblance in Iowa and Michigan, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Detroit and Des Moines:

Living Expense	Detroit	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$251.12	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$55.77	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$3.52	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$2.94	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$18.00	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$68.50	$77.50
Gym membership	$43.00	$66.67

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Des Moines.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in Des Moines.
Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Des Moines.
Bread is more expensive in Detroit than in Des Moines.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Detroit than in Des Moines.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Des Moines.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Des Moines

	Detroit	Des Moines
Population	639,111	699,292
Transportation score	7	5
Walkability score	51	45
Bike friendliness score	52	39
Crime index	72.92	5.0
Safety index	27.08	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Des Moines's population is about 9% greater than Detroit.
Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Detroit's score of 7.
Des Moines is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 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 Detroit, which has a score of 52.
Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 5.0 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
Des Moines is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 57.8 vs Detroit's 27.08.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Detroit it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit to Des Moines move

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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Des Moines

Planning your move to Hartford of the West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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 Iowa home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

Planning your move from Detroit to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Detroit.

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

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

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

The 600-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Des Moines, IA, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Detroit offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.

Are there special savings available from movers in Detroit?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 3 have discounts for military personnel. 3 extend reduced rates to seniors.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Detroit?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Detroit, 22 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.