($1,148) Cost to Move From Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA

1. Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. South Hills Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Gardner Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Pittsburgh to Des Moines

When planning a move to Des Moines from Pittsburgh, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,148 and $3,995. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,148 and $5,636 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,750 to $7,586.

Cost of moving containers from Pittsburgh to Des Moines

When you’re heading from Pittsburgh to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $723 and $1,771. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,422 and $2,557. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,871 to $3,542. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh to Des Moines

A moving rental truck from Pittsburgh 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 $555 to $1,065. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $617 to $1,265, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Pittsburgh to Des Moines costs around $706 to $1,519.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 23% less expensive in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh, 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 14% cheaper in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 8% greater in Des Moines than in Pittsburgh, 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 11% below that of Pittsburgh.
• 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 13% lower compared to Pittsburgh.
• Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate than Pittsburgh by about 17%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Des Moines and Pittsburgh (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
• Income taxes are 43% more in Iowa than in Pennsylvania. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Des Moines’s population is about 131% greater than Pittsburgh.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Pittsburgh’s score of 8.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh’s 62 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 Pittsburgh, which has a score of 55.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Pittsburgh with a score of 5.0 compared to Pittsburgh’s 37.74. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
• Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 57.8 vs Pittsburgh’s 62.26.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Pittsburgh it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Pittsburgh 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.