Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Knoxville to Des Moines ranges from $793 to $7,596 and the journey will take approximately two to seven days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 830-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Knoxville guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Knoxville to Des Moines
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Knoxville to Des Moines isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
|
Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your TN to IA move
Local moving companies in Knoxville
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Gouffon Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 3
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 137
DOT #: 553340
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
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
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville to Des Moines?
Knoxville movers charge $113 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 | $1,441 - $5,423 | $934 - $2,386 | $698 - $1,397 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,973 - $7,596 | $1,714 - $3,246 | $793 - $1,517 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,290 - $9,787 | $2,420 - $4,598 | $944 - $1,976 |
Cost to hire movers from Tennessee to Iowa
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Tennessee to Iowa, you can expect prices to land between $1,441 and $5,423. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,973 to $7,596 for the trip from TN to IA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,290 and $9,787.
Cost of moving containers from Tennessee to Iowa
When you’re heading from Tennessee to Iowa, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $934 and $2,386. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,714 and $3,246. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,420 to $4,598. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Tennessee easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tennessee to Iowa
A moving rental truck 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 $698 to $1,397. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $793 to $1,517, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Tennessee to Iowa costs around $944 to $1,976.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that influence moving costs from Knoxville to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Knoxville to Des Moines
Moving from Knoxville 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 Knoxville than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Knoxville compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Knoxville | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,795 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $350,035 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,050 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,184 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,200 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 36% lower than in Knoxville, 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 45.0% lower than in Knoxville. - Income in Des Moines is 4.2% lower than in Knoxville, 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 13.4% lower than in Knoxville.
- 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 15.8% less than what it costs in Knoxville.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 25.53% higher than in Knoxville.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city's sales taxes in Des Moines are 24.32% lower than in Knoxville.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 4.40% higher than in Knoxville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,597.53 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Knoxville.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 190,740 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 30 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 42.54 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 57.46 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Des Moines is about 267% greater than Knoxville, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Des Moines offers better access to buses and trains than Knoxville, based on public transportation ratings. Des Moines has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Knoxville. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Des Moines means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Knoxville. Des Moines is considered more walkable than Knoxville, with a score of 45 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Knoxville. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Des Moines is considered more bike-friendly than Knoxville in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, while Knoxville is rated as 30 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a lower crime rate than Knoxville based on scores of 5.0 and Knoxville's 42.54, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- Des Moines is generally as safe as Knoxville, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Des Moines and Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license 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 require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
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 move to in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East Village
- Woodland Heights
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waterbury
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like 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 — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Knoxville to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Knoxville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Knoxville to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Knoxville to Des Moines take?
The 830-mile move from Knoxville, TN, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to seven days. Some Knoxville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
