($1,010) Cost to Move From Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA

1. Movin’ On Out Inc: 4.44 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
3. Brouwer Relocation Inc: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Advanced Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
5. Affordable Moving LLC: 4.14 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Sioux Falls to Des Moines

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Sioux Falls to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,010 and $3,431. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,782 to $5,141 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Sioux Falls to Des Moines typically runs between $2,592 and $7,157.

Cost of moving containers from Sioux Falls to Des Moines

When moving from Sioux Falls to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $610 and $1,371. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,107 to $2,100. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,447 up to $2,631. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Dakota.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck in Sioux Falls is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. 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 $315 and $531. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $309 and $654. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $398 and $804.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Sioux Falls to Des Moines, as rent prices are comparably stable.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 40% lower in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls.
• The average income in Des Moines and Sioux Falls is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Plan for higher expenses in Des Moines, since the cost of living for a single person is 7% more than in Sioux Falls. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Des Moines and Sioux Falls, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 84% higher compared to Sioux Falls, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 8% higher in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Iowa has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

• Des Moines’s population is about 245% greater than Sioux Falls.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Sioux Falls’s score of 2.
• Des Moines is more walkable than Sioux Falls with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Sioux Falls’s 38 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 Sioux Falls, which has a score of 46.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Sioux Falls with a score of 5.0 compared to Sioux Falls’s 42.83. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Sioux Falls neighborhoods are safer than 42.83%.
• Des Moines and Sioux Falls have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 57.17.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Sioux Falls it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting 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: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.