Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Lansing to Des Moines typically costs $2,500–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 534 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Lansing to Des Moines
Moving from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,500–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 534-mile move from Lansing to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $5,640 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $4,481 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,733 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 25, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 27, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Lansing to Des Moines move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,700 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Lansing.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $500 to $1,200, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Lansing, MI guide.
Best Lansing to Des Moines movers by type
Professional
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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 Lansing to Des Moines
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Lansing to Des Moines much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 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 Lansing to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Des Moines runs about 19% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Lansing.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Des Moines versus $1,595 in Lansing; families pay $4,380 compared with $4,199.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lansing | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $901 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,775 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $148,542 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,729 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,595 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,199 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
- Moving to Des Moines from Lansing won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Des Moines are about 29% higher than those in Lansing.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 10% lower in Des Moines compared to Lansing.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Des Moines, as living costs for a single person are 19% higher than in Lansing. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Lansing, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is about 20% lower than in Lansing. 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 Lansing, 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 Lansing and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Lansing | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $172.97 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.00 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $31.67 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lansing than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Lansing vs. Des Moines
| Lansing | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,644 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 39 |
| Crime index | 48.66 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 51.34 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 521% greater than Lansing.
- Des Moines's public transportation score is within about 5% of Lansing, making them very similar.
- Des Moines and Lansing are similarly walkable.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Lansing, which has a score of 55.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Lansing with a score of 5.0 compared to Lansing's 48.66. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Lansing with a safety index of 57.8 vs Lansing's 51.34.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Lansing it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Lansing 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lansing to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Lansing to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Lansing.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Lansing 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 Lansing to Des Moines take?
The 534-mile journey from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Lansing 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 Lansing?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 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 Lansing?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Lansing, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
