($930) Cost to Move From St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA

1. Arch Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.7 out of 5 stars
3. Simple Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
5. ABC Quality Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from St. Louis to Des Moines

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from St. Louis, you can expect prices to land between $930 and $3,044. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,648 to $4,628 for the trip from St. Louis to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,431 and $6,182.

Cost of moving containers from St. Louis to Des Moines

Moving containers from St. Louis to Des Moines will cost you $627 to $1,455 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,103 to $1,996. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,487 to $2,697. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Missouri.

Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck from St. Louis to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $317 and $620 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $334 to $685. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $453 to $870.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• When relocating from St. Louis 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 12% higher than those in St. Louis.
• Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 11% lower in Des Moines compared to St. Louis.
• You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 27% lower compared to St. Louis.
• 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 33% less than what it costs in St. Louis.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is about 6% lower than in St. Louis. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
• Sales taxes are 28% less in Des Moines relative to St. Louis. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
• Income taxes in Iowa are 8% below those in Missouri. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.

• Des Moines’s population is about 138% greater than St. Louis.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than St. Louis’s score of 8.
• Des Moines is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 45 out of 100 vs St. Louis’s 66 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 St. Louis, which has a score of 58.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than St. Louis with a score of 5.0 compared to St. Louis’s 69.65. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 57.8 vs St. Louis’s 30.35.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in St. Louis it’s Moderate.

• 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.

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.