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

How we chose the best MT→IA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 12 Montana moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Missoula to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Missoula - roughly 6% less for singles and 25% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,011 in Missoula. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $5,832.

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

	Missoula	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,542	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$2,983	$1,763
Average home value	$544,475	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$59,180	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$2,011	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,832	$4,380
Unemployment rate	4.4%	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 13% less expensive in Des Moines than in Missoula, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 65% cheaper in Des Moines than in Missoula.
There's good news: the average income differences between Des Moines and Missoula are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 6% below that of Missoula.
A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 25% lower compared to Missoula.
Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Missoula by about 34%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
Des Moines has a sales tax, while Missoula does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
Income taxes are 35% less in Iowa compared to Montana, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Missoula versus Des Moines:

Living Expense	Missoula	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$132.00	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$59.67	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$4.50	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$2.91	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$75.00	$77.50
Gym membership	$63.33	$66.67

Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Des Moines, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Missoula than in Des Moines.
Eggs cost more in Missoula than in Des Moines.
Bread is more expensive in Missoula than in Des Moines.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Missoula than in Des Moines.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Missoula than in Des Moines.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Missoula than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Missoula vs. Des Moines

	Missoula	Des Moines
Population	77,757	699,292
Transportation score	5	5
Walkability score	45	45
Bike friendliness score	60	39
Crime index	33.27	5.0
Safety index	66.73	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Des Moines's population is about 799% greater than Missoula.
Des Moines's public transportation score is within about 5% of Missoula, making them very similar.
Des Moines and Missoula 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 Missoula, which has a score of 60.
Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Missoula with a score of 5.0 compared to Missoula's 33.27. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 57.8 vs Missoula's 66.73.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Missoula it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Missoula to Des Moines move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Des Moines

With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular 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

With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 1,281-mile move from Missoula, MT, to Des Moines, IA, takes three to eight days. Some Missoula 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 Missoula?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Missoula provide piano moving services. 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.