Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
The best local movers for Minneapolis to Des Moines moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Minneapolis that also handles long-distance moves to Des Moines. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 34 local movers in Minneapolis who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Minneapolis to Des Moines.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- The Move Crew: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Ace Moving & Warehousing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 286311
Years in Business: 73
DOT #: 286311
Alternate Names: Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 1140502
Alternate Names: AAA Movers Inc of Minnesota
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 380620
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2552505
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis to Des Moines?
The average hourly rate for movers in Minnesota is $209. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $822 – $3,052 | $594 – $1,318 | $267 – $479 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,539 – $4,505 | $1,058 – $1,937 | $287 – $590 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,079 – $5,684 | $1,351 – $2,466 | $383 – $702 |
Cost to hire movers from Minneapolis to Des Moines
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Minneapolis to Des Moines will cost between $822 and $3,052. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Minneapolis to Minneapolis will range from $1,539 to $4,505, and a large move from Minneapolis to Des Moines will cost from $2,079 to $5,684.
Cost of moving containers from Minneapolis to Des Moines
If you’re moving from Minneapolis to Des Moines, expect to pay between $594 and $1,318 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,058 up to $1,937. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,351 and $2,466. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Minneapolis 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 $267 and $479. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $287 and $590. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $383 up to $702 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Minneapolis to Des Moines
The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,251, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,811.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Minneapolis, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($267–$660) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Minneapolis – roughly 52% less for singles and 7% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $3,900 in Minneapolis. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $4,710.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Minneapolis | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,707 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $312,602 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,099 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,900 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,710 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.03% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 4.4% |
- If you’re heading to Des Moines from Minneapolis, you’ll find that rent is roughly 23% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 38% less in Des Moines than in Minneapolis.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 17% lower in Des Moines compared to Minneapolis.
- 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 52% lower than in Minneapolis.
- 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 7% less than in Minneapolis.
- In Des Moines, the unemployment rate is approximately 31% higher than in Minneapolis, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 22% in Des Moines compared to Minneapolis, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 55% less in Iowa than in Minnesota. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Minneapolis and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Minneapolis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $164.65 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.68 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.15 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Minneapolis than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Minneapolis than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Minneapolis than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Minneapolis than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Minneapolis than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Minneapolis than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Minneapolis than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Des Moines
| Minneapolis | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 425,115 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 83 | 39 |
| Crime index | 56.06 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 43.94 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 64% greater than Minneapolis.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Minneapolis’s score of 8.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Minneapolis’s 71 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 Minneapolis, which has a score of 83.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Minneapolis with a score of 5.0 compared to Minneapolis’s 56.06. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Minneapolis with a safety index of 57.8 vs Minneapolis’s 43.94.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Minneapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Minneapolis to Des Moines move
- 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.
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
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Minneapolis to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Minneapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Minneapolis to Des Moines, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Minneapolis to Des Moines take?
Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, covers 245 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Minneapolis movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
Which movers in Minneapolis give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 3 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Minneapolis?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 28 movers in Minneapolis advertise piano moving expertise. 13 movers in Minneapolis provide antique moving services. State totals show 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Minneapolis moving services
Popular Minnesota routes
- Minnesota to Iowa car shippers
- Minnesota to California movers
- Minnesota to Florida movers
- Minnesota to Georgia movers
- Minnesota to Illinois movers
- Minnesota to Michigan movers
- Minnesota to New York movers
- Minnesota to North Carolina movers
- Minnesota to Ohio movers
- Minnesota to Pennsylvania movers
- Minnesota to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
