Charleston, SC to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Charleston to Des Moines typically costs $2,800–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,200 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Charleston to Des Moines
Moving from Charleston, SC to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,800–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,200-mile move from Charleston to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,587 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $5,208 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,909 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Mar 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Mar 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Mar 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 31, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Des Moines may only cost $2,200, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,600.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Charleston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($800–$2,500), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Charleston, SC guide.
Best Charleston to Des Moines movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Charleston to Des Moines
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Charleston to Des Moines. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 SC→IA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 52 South Carolina moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Charleston - roughly 64% less for singles and 44% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 54% less expensive in Des Moines than in Charleston, 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 66% cheaper in Des Moines than in Charleston.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 6% less in Des Moines than in Charleston.
- 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 64% below that of Charleston.
- 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 44% lower compared to Charleston.
- Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 48%. 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 22% cheaper in Des Moines compared to Charleston. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 37% less in Iowa compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charleston than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Des Moines
| Charleston | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 39 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 365% greater than Charleston.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston's score of 3.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 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 Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 5.0 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Des Moines and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 55.03.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Charleston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular 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
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Des Moines?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to Des Moines? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Des Moines take?
The 1,200-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
