($1,059) Cost to Move From Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA

1. Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
2. Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
3. Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Des Moines

When planning a move to Des Moines from Raleigh, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,059 and $4,287. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,549 and $5,642 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,851 to $7,898.

Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Des Moines

When you’re heading from Raleigh to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $892 and $2,030. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,536 and $3,101. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,055 to $4,256. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Des Moines

A moving rental truck from Raleigh to Des Moines is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $738 to $1,378. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $753 to $1,622, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Raleigh to Des Moines costs around $994 to $1,859.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 31% less expensive in Des Moines than in Raleigh, 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 55% cheaper in Des Moines than in Raleigh.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 2174% greater in Des Moines than in Raleigh, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• 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 69% below that of Raleigh.
• 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 28% lower compared to Raleigh.
• Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Raleigh by about 37%. 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.
• Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Des Moines and Raleigh (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
• Income taxes are nearly the same between Iowa and North Carolina, within a 5% range. This consistency assures you of predictable financial planning during your state move.

• Des Moines’s population is about 50% greater than Raleigh.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh’s score of 4.
• Des Moines is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
• Both Des Moines and Raleigh have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 39), meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as Raleigh. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Raleigh with a score of 5.0 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
• Des Moines and Raleigh have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 60.13.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across Raleigh and Des Moines are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• 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.

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.