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Top local movers for Fargo to Des Moines moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Fargo that also provides long-distance services to Des Moines can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed seven local movers in Fargo who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Fargo to Des Moines.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Midwest Moving Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- 5 Star Moving: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- The Apartment Movers: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Schiele Enterprise: 4.02 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 148
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3263587
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1087336
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 513176
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Fargo to Des Moines?
Movers in North Dakota generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,296 – $3,648 | $671 – $1,531 | $394 – $720 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,411 – $6,041 | $1,222 – $2,357 | $407 – $898 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,301 – $9,281 | $1,530 – $3,055 | $528 – $1,050 |
Cost to hire movers from Fargo to Des Moines
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Fargo to Des Moines typically costs between $1,296 and $3,648. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,411 and $6,041 when moving from Fargo to Des Moines. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Fargo to Des Moines, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,301 up to $9,281.
Cost of moving containers from Fargo to Des Moines
If you’re relocating from Fargo to Des Moines, you’ll typically spend between $671 and $1,531 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,222 up to $2,357. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,530 and $3,055. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from North Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Fargo to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Fargo to Des Moines move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $394 and $720. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $407 to $898. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $528 and $1,050.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Fargo to Des Moines
The cost of Fargo movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Fargo to Des Moines might be as low as $1,692, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,931.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Fargo.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $394 to $984 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Fargo to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Des Moines runs about 21% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Fargo.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Fargo versus $1,566 in Fargo; families pay $4,380 compared with $3,299.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Fargo | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $963 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,563 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $287,548 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,566 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,299 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 4.4% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 9% higher in Des Moines than in Fargo, which may impact your monthly finances.
- With home prices being nearly 33% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Fargo, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 21% greater than in Fargo. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Des Moines, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 33% more than it is in Fargo.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines exceeds that of Fargo by about 64%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 7% lower in Des Moines than Fargo, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 52% higher in Iowa than in North Dakota. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Fargo and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Fargo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $159.44 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.00 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.25 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Fargo than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Fargo than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Fargo than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Fargo than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Fargo than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fargo than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Fargo than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Fargo vs. Des Moines
| Fargo | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,990 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 39 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 56.17 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 455% greater than Fargo.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Fargo’s score of 4.
- Des Moines and Fargo 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 Fargo, which has a score of 49.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Fargo with a score of 5.0 compared to Fargo’s 8.0. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Des Moines and Fargo have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 56.17.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Fargo it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Fargo to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Iowa, it’s the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Fargo to Des Moines. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Fargo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Fargo to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Fargo to Des Moines take?
Covering 477 miles, the move from Fargo, ND to Des Moines, typically takes one to four days. Some Fargo movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Fargo can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Fargo, 5 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of ND, there are 9 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Fargo moving services
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