Quick answer: The cost to move from Oklahoma City to Des Moines ranges from $598 to $7,053 and the journey will take approximately one to six days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 545-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Oklahoma City guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Oklahoma City to Des Moines
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Oklahoma City to go to Des Moines can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
How we chose the best moving companies for your OK to IA move
Local moving companies in Oklahoma City
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Sherpa Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Bigger Better Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2634814
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men and a Truck (to find), Two Men & A Truck, Roll Sooner Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 332313
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 3429977
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1717663
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3046997
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3046997
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Oklahoma City to Des Moines?
Oklahoma City movers charge $105 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,385 - $4,134 | $809 - $1,988 | $555 - $933 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,640 - $7,053 | $1,506 - $2,798 | $598 - $1,106 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,679 - $10,152 | $2,128 - $3,603 | $717 - $1,375 |
Cost to hire movers from Oklahoma to Iowa
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Oklahoma to Iowa, you can expect to spend between $1,385 and $4,134. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,640 to $7,053 on the same route (OK to IA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Oklahoma to Iowa typically runs between $4,679 and $10,152.
Cost of moving containers from Oklahoma to Iowa
If you’re relocating from Oklahoma to Iowa, you’ll typically spend between $809 and $1,988 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,506 up to $2,798. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,128 and $3,603. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Oklahoma.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Oklahoma to Iowa
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $555 and $933. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $598 and $1,106. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $717 and $1,375.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Oklahoma City to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Oklahoma City to Des Moines
Moving from Oklahoma City to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Oklahoma City than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Oklahoma City compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Oklahoma City | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,249 | $1,150 |
Average home value | $195,949 | $192,347 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,251 | $58,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,150 | $1,891 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,520 | $4,380 |
Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 8.63% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.75% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 8% lower than in Oklahoma City, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 1.8% lower than in Oklahoma City. - Income in Des Moines is 9.0% lower than in Oklahoma City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 12.0% lower than in Oklahoma City.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32.8% less than what it costs in Oklahoma City.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 34.09% higher than in Oklahoma City.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city's sales taxes in Des Moines are 18.89% lower than in Oklahoma City.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 7.37% lower than in Oklahoma City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,638.60 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oklahoma City.
How life is different in Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines
Des Moines | Oklahoma City | |
---|---|---|
Population | 699,292 | 681,054 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
Walkability score | 45 | 73 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 74 |
Crime Index | 5.0 | 49.37 |
Safety Index | 57.8 | 50.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines and Oklahoma City have roughly the same population, which could make adjusting to your new life in Iowa easier.
- Des Moines offers better access to buses and trains than Oklahoma City, based on public transportation ratings. Des Moines has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Oklahoma City. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Des Moines neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Oklahoma City. Based on its score of 45 out of 100, Des Moines isn't as walkable as Oklahoma City, which has a score of 73 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Des Moines, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Oklahoma City. While Oklahoma City has a bike-friendliness score of 74 out of 100, Des Moines earned a 39. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Des Moines has a lower crime rate than Oklahoma City based on scores of 5.0 and Oklahoma City's 49.37, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Des Moines than in Oklahoma City, based on Des Moines's safety index of 57.8 versus 50.63 for Oklahoma City. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Des Moines and Oklahoma City is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Iowa doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
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
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
Once you're settled into your new home in Iowa, it's time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Oklahoma City to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Oklahoma City. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Oklahoma City to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Oklahoma City to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Oklahoma City to Des Moines take?
Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Des Moines, IA covers 545 miles and usually takes one to six days Need to move faster? Some Oklahoma City movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.