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Top-rated local movers that handle San Antonio to Des Moines moves
When planning a move from San Antonio to Des Moines, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 29 local movers in San Antonio who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from San Antonio to Des Moines.
- Swift Movers LLC: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Evolution Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Arrow Moving & Storage Company Inc: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 006903095C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2632638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006779351C
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2467590
Alternate Names: Evolution Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006630542C
Years in Business: 55
DOT #: 22889
Alternate Names: Arrow Moving & Storage Co., Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from San Antonio to Des Moines?
Movers in Texas charge $131 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 | $1,199 – $4,740 | $792 – $1,911 | $621 – $1,204 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,443 – $6,044 | $1,421 – $2,974 | $706 – $1,416 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,922 – $7,528 | $1,896 – $3,952 | $878 – $1,795 |
Cost to hire movers from San Antonio to Des Moines
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Antonio to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,199 and $4,740. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,443 to $6,044 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Antonio to Des Moines typically runs between $3,922 and $7,528.
Cost of moving containers from San Antonio to Des Moines
When moving from San Antonio to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $792 and $1,911. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,421 to $2,974. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,896 up to $3,952. 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 Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Antonio to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck in San Antonio 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 $621 and $1,204. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $706 and $1,416. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $878 and $1,795.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from San Antonio to Des Moines
The cost of San Antonio movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,410, but larger homes can run up to $6,820.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in San Antonio.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($621–$1,708) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from San Antonio to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than San Antonio – roughly 14% less for singles and 11% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,194 in San Antonio. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $4,931.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Antonio | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,471 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,533 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $249,398 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,451 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,194 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,931 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 23% lower in Des Moines than in San Antonio, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 23% lower in Des Moines than in San Antonio.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 6% less in Des Moines than in San Antonio.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 14% less than in San Antonio.
- Moving to Des Moines could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 11% less than in San Antonio.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 55% higher compared to San Antonio, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 15% lower in Des Moines than in San Antonio. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Des Moines can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Texas 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing San Antonio with Des Moines:
| Living Expense | San Antonio | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.99 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.64 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.65 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.01 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $42.93 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Antonio than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Antonio than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in San Antonio than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in San Antonio than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Antonio than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in San Antonio than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in San Antonio than in Des Moines.
How life is different in San Antonio vs. Des Moines
| San Antonio | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,434,625 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 45 | 39 |
| Crime index | 48.06 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 51.94 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 51% less than San Antonio.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than San Antonio’s score of 6.
- Des Moines is more walkable than San Antonio with a score of 45 out of 100 vs San Antonio’s 37 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 San Antonio, which has a score of 45.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than San Antonio with a score of 5.0 compared to San Antonio’s 48.06. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Antonio neighborhoods are safer than 48.06%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than San Antonio with a safety index of 57.8 vs San Antonio’s 51.94.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in San Antonio it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Antonio to Des Moines move
- 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.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you’ve chosen Hartford of the West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Antonio to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Antonio to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Antonio are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Antonio to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from San Antonio to Des Moines are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from San Antonio to Des Moines take?
A move of 1,007 miles from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in San Antonio sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Des Moines is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in San Antonio?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 4 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 4 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in San Antonio offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 19 movers in San Antonio have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 13 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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