Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

Cost to move from Knoxville to Des Moines

Moving from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA typically costs $2,661–$6,938 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 830-mile move from Knoxville to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of March 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

On average, moveBuddha users save 30% by comparing options with our moving cost calculator.

Estimated moving costs from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA

Move size	Professional movers	Moving container	Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom	$1,986–$4,956	$1,194–$2,316	$631–$1,166
2–3 bedrooms	$2,661–$6,938	$1,613–$3,058	$710–$1,531
4+ bedrooms	$4,600–$9,217	$2,189–$3,874	$915–$1,788

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

These are real moving quotes similar to your Knoxville to Des Moines move using our proprietary live pricing feed. Exact pricing can vary, but the examples below show what movers have actually charged for similar move sizes and service types.

Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $5,181 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.

Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,088 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.

1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $3,107 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.

Best Knoxville to Des Moines movers by type

Safeway Moving

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Veteran owned
Portion to charity

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

American Van Lines

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

(866) 835-2392

Allied Van Lines

rating

4.2 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience

Get A Quote

(866) 825-0554

Key factors that influence Knoxville to Des Moines moving costs

The price of a move between Knoxville and Des Moines depends on several logistical factors.

Shipment size and weight: Interstate movers primarily price moves based on shipment weight and the amount of space your items take up in the truck. Smaller moves can start around $1,986, while larger homes may reach $9,217 or more depending on inventory.
Distance and route logistics: The move from Knoxville to Des Moines covers about 830 miles. Longer routes increase transportation costs and may require additional fuel, driver time, and coordination.
Move date and demand: Moving companies charge more during busy periods like summer and month-end weekends. Flexible scheduling, such as moving mid-week or mid-month, can sometimes lower your quote.
Service level you choose: Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading, which raises the price. Containers and rental trucks are often cheaper because you handle more of the work yourself.
Timing between pickup and delivery: Interstate moves often use delivery windows instead of exact dates. Tight timelines or guaranteed delivery options can increase the overall cost.

Other factors to consider for your Knoxville to Des Moines move

HOA rules: Check any neighborhood or community rules on moving to avoid delays on move day.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, find out how to reserve it for move day.
Truck parking permits: Some cities require permits for large vehicles and moving trucks, check local rules 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. Make sure the moving company you use is properly licensed before hiring.
State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving permits: Iowa does not typically require moving permits, but it’s still smart to check local parking restrictions before move-in day.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: State rules differ on mover insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized.

What to know before moving from Knoxville to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Knoxville, the average cost of living is about 13% less for singles and 16% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it’s $5,200 compared with $4,380.

See the breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings may add up:

	Knoxville	Des Moines
Average 1 bedroom rent	$1,667	$1,229
Average 3 bedroom rent	$3,210	$1,763
Average home value	$350,035	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$61,050	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$2,184	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,200	$4,380
Unemployment rate	4.7%	5.9%
Sales tax	9.25%	7.0%
State income tax	0.0%	4.4%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 36% lower in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
Home prices are about 45% lower in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
Average income is within about 5% of the same in Knoxville and Des Moines.
Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Knoxville by about 26%.
Sales tax is lower in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
Iowa has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not.

How common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Knoxville and Des Moines

Here's a breakdown of typical everyday costs in both cities:

Living expense	Knoxville	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$216	$145
Cell phone plan	$54	$51
Dozen eggs	$4	$4
Loaf of bread	$4	$3
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$18	$16
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$85	$78
Gym membership	$35	$67

Basic utilities cost more in Knoxville than in Des Moines.
A quick meal costs more in Knoxville than in Des Moines.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Knoxville than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Knoxville vs. Des Moines

Here are some ways life is different between Knoxville and Des Moines:

	Knoxville	Des Moines
Population	190,740	699,292
Transportation score	4	5
Walkability score	31	45
Bike friendliness score	30	39
Crime index	42.54	5.0
Safety index	57.46	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Des Moines's population is about 267% greater than Knoxville.
Des Moines has a higher public transportation score (5 out of 10) than Knoxville (4).
Des Moines is more walkable (45 out of 100) than Knoxville (31).
Des Moines is more bike friendly (39 out of 100) than Knoxville (30).
Des Moines has a lower crime index than Knoxville (5.0 vs 42.54).
Knoxville and Des Moines have similar safety scores (57.46 vs 57.8).
Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that you've decided to make the move to Hartford of the West, these are the best 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

After settling into your new home in Iowa, you can start exploring what Des Moines has to offer:

Arts and culture:Des Moines is home to museums and cultural attractions 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 are great places for walks, trails, and time outside.
Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Des Moines?

Planning your move from Knoxville to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Knoxville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Des Moines?

Because most people are moving from Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Des Moines take?

The 830-mile journey from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Knoxville offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.

Are there special savings available from movers in Knoxville?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Knoxville?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Knoxville, 6 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Tennessee has 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.

Helpful moving resources

Planning your move

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Ryan Carrigan

Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

Cost to move from Knoxville to Des Moines

Estimated moving costs from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

Best Knoxville to Des Moines movers by type

Best professional movers from Knoxville to Des Moines

Best moving containers from Knoxville to Des Moines

Best rental trucks for Knoxville to Des Moines

Local movers that can help with Knoxville to Des Moines moves

Labor-only movers in Knoxville

Key factors that influence Knoxville to Des Moines moving costs

Other factors to consider for your Knoxville to Des Moines move

What to know before moving from Knoxville to Des Moines

How common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Knoxville and Des Moines

How life is different in Knoxville vs. Des Moines

Where to live in Des Moines

Best neighborhoods for singles

Best neighborhoods for families

Things to do in Des Moines

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Des Moines?

When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Des Moines?

How long does a move from Knoxville to Des Moines take?

Are there special savings available from movers in Knoxville?

Are piano and antique moving services available in Knoxville?

Helpful moving resources

Planning your move

Find the best movers

Cost guides