Rochester, NY to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to Des Moines typically costs $2,300–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 919 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Rochester to Des Moines
Moving from Rochester, NY to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,300–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 919-mile move from Rochester to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,529 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,234 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,422 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 15, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Rochester to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Rochester to Des Moines might be as low as $1,800, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,600.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Rochester.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $700 to $1,800 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY guide.
Best Rochester to Des Moines movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Rochester to Des Moines
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Rochester to Des Moines, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NY→IA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 148 New York movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Rochester to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Rochester - roughly 17% less for singles and 11% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,274 in Rochester. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $4,921.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Rochester | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $200,576 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,274 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,921 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.4% |
- Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Rochester, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 8% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- The home prices in Des Moines and Rochester differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 9% lower in Des Moines than in Rochester.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 17% less compared to Rochester.
- Relocating to Des Moines could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 11% lower than in Rochester.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 40% lower than Rochester, Des Moines boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Des Moines than Rochester, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 60% lower in Iowa than in New York. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Rochester and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Rochester | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $143.37 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.69 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.79 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $50.77 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Rochester than in Des Moines, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Rochester than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Rochester than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Rochester than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Rochester than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Rochester than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Rochester than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Des Moines
| Rochester | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 39 |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 36.66 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 231% greater than Rochester.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Rochester's score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Rochester with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Rochester's 61 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 Rochester, which has a score of 60.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Rochester with a score of 5.0 compared to Rochester's 37.54. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 57.8 vs Rochester's 36.66.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Rochester it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester 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 Rochester to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Rochester to Des Moines. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Rochester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Rochester 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 Rochester to Des Moines take?
Covering 919 miles, the move from Rochester, NY to Des Moines, IA typically takes two to seven days. Some Rochester 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 Rochester can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Rochester, 7 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
