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Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
 • 5 min read
checkmarkFact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: Moving from Billings to Des Moines (about 940 miles) typically costs $3,426–$7,587 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

Estimates based on moveBuddha pricing data as of March 2026. Prices can change based on how much you're moving, demand, add-on services like packing, and how flexible your move dates are.

Cost to move from Billings to Des Moines

Moving from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA typically costs $3,426–$7,587 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 940-mile move from Billings 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 Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA

Move size Professional movers Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,496–$6,239 $1,241–$2,396 $714–$1,364
2–3 bedrooms $3,426–$7,587 $1,580–$3,231 $778–$1,622
4+ bedrooms $5,203–$10,654 $2,283–$4,067 $958–$1,894

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

These are real moving quotes similar to your Billings 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.

  • Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $882 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Budget Truck Rental
Billings, MT › Milo, IA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Feb 17, 2026
$882
Get a Quote

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Billings, MT guide.

Best Billings to Des Moines movers by type

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
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(855) 650-0657
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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(866) 835-2392
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
Get A Quote
(866) 825-0554

Most people moving from Billings to Des Moines choose between professional movers, moving containers, or a rental truck. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and how much of the move you want to handle yourself.

  • Professional movers: Best if you want a hands-off move and professionals handling the logistics.
  • Moving containers: A middle ground where you pack and load, while the company transports the container.
  • Rental trucks: Usually the lowest base price, but you handle driving and most of the work.
  • Local movers: Some city-based movers can handle interstate moves, especially shorter routes.
  • Labor-only: Hire help for loading or unloading while you manage theNeed flexibility on moving day? Opt for a truck or container. This choice lets you pack at your own pace and manage your belongings the way you want.
Professional Icon
Professional
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Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Local

Best professional movers from Billings to Des Moines

The average cost of professional movers is $3,426–$7,587 for a typical 2–3 bedroom move from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA. Professional interstate movers are the best choice if you want a hands-off move with packing, loading, transportation, and unloading handled by experts.

To compare top-rated companies, see our guide to the best interstate moving companies.

Safeway Moving
Get Quote
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
American Van Lines
Get Quote
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.9
Allied Van Lines
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checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
4.2

What affects the cost of moving from Billings to Des Moines?

Several factors influence the final price of an interstate move from Billings to Des Moines.

  • 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 $2,496, while larger homes may reach $10,654 or more depending on inventory.
  • Distance and route logistics: The move from Billings to Des Moines covers about 940 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.
  • Packing and extra services: Professional packing, storage-in-transit, or specialty handling for fragile or oversized items can increase the final price.

Other factors to consider for your Billings 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 Billings to Des Moines

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move, in terms of the cost of living Des Moines runs about 7% higher for singles and -3% higher for families than Billings.

Singles spend around $1,773 in Billings versus $1,891 in Des Moines. Families pay $4,536 compared to $4,380.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Billings Des Moines
Average 1 bedroom rent $1,150 $1,229
Average 3 bedroom rent $2,125 $1,763
Average home value $381,592 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $63,515 $58,492
Cost of living (single) $1,773 $1,891
Cost of living (family of four) $4,536 $4,380
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.9%
Sales tax 0.0% 7.0%
State income tax 6.75% 4.4%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 12% lower in Des Moines than in Billings.
  • Home prices are about 50% lower in Des Moines than in Billings.
  • Average income is about 8% lower in Des Moines than in Billings.
  • Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Billings by about 44%.
  • Des Moines has a sales tax, while Billings does not.
  • State income tax is lower in Iowa than in Montana.

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

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

Living expense Billings Des Moines
Basic utilities $187 $145
Cell phone plan $49 $51
Dozen eggs $3 $4
Loaf of bread $4 $3
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $20 $16
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $60 $78
Gym membership $48 $67
  • Basic utilities cost more in Billings than in Des Moines.
  • A quick meal costs more in Billings than in Des Moines.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Billings than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Billings vs. Des Moines

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

Billings Des Moines
Population 184,167 699,292
Transportation score 3 5
Walkability score 35 45
Bike friendliness score 47 39
Crime index 48.63 5.0
Safety index 50.37 57.8
Air quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Des Moines's population is about 280% greater than Billings.
  • Des Moines has a higher public transportation score (5 out of 10) than Billings (3).
  • Des Moines is more walkable (45 out of 100) than Billings (35).
  • Des Moines is less bike friendly (39 out of 100) than Billings (47).
  • Des Moines has a lower crime index than Billings (5.0 vs 48.63).
  • Des Moines has a higher safety index than Billings (57.8 vs 50.37).
  • Air quality in Billings 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 Billings to Des Moines?

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

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

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

The 940-mile move from Billings, MT, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to seven days. Some Billings movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Billings?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Billings provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 8 piano movers and 2 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

Ryan Carrigan
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.
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