Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best UT→IA movers

At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 33 Utah moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Salt Lake City to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Salt Lake City – roughly 13% less for singles and 9% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,172 in Salt Lake City. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $4,827.

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

	Salt Lake City	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,618	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$2,727	$1,763
Average home value	$549,528	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$63,975	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$2,172	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,827	$4,380
Unemployment rate	3.0%	5.9%
Sales tax	7.75%	7.0%
State income tax	4.95%	4.4%

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

If you’re heading to Des Moines from Salt Lake City, you’ll find that rent is roughly 23% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 65% less in Des Moines than in Salt Lake City.
Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 9% lower in Des Moines compared to Salt Lake City.
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% lower than in Salt Lake City.
Choosing to move to Des Moines can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 9% less than in Salt Lake City.
In Des Moines, the unemployment rate is approximately 97% higher than in Salt Lake City, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
Sales taxes drop 10% in Des Moines compared to Salt Lake City, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
Income taxes are 11% less in Iowa than in Utah. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Salt Lake City and Des Moines:

Living Expense	Salt Lake City	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$183.16	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$67.42	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$4.28	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$3.36	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$19.00	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$82.50	$77.50
Gym membership	$27.89	$66.67

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Salt Lake City than in Des Moines.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Salt Lake City than in Des Moines.
Eggs cost more in Salt Lake City than in Des Moines.
Bread is more expensive in Salt Lake City than in Des Moines.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Salt Lake City than in Des Moines.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Salt Lake City than in Des Moines.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Salt Lake City than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Salt Lake City vs. Des Moines

	Salt Lake City	Des Moines
Population	200,133	699,292
Transportation score	8	5
Walkability score	59	45
Bike friendliness score	74	39
Crime index	34.64	5.0
Safety index	65.36	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Des Moines’s population is about 249% greater than Salt Lake City.
Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Salt Lake City’s score of 8.
Des Moines is less walkable than Salt Lake City with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Salt Lake City’s 59 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 Salt Lake City, which has a score of 74.
Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Salt Lake City with a score of 5.0 compared to Salt Lake City’s 34.64. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Salt Lake City neighborhoods are safer than 34.64%.
Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Salt Lake City with a score of 57.8 vs Salt Lake City’s 65.36.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Salt Lake City it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your Salt Lake City to Des Moines move

HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Iowa doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 and stress-free.

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

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in Iowa, it’s time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Salt Lake City to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.

When is the cheapest time to move from Salt Lake City to Des Moines?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Salt Lake City to Des Moines take?

Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA covers 1,066 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Salt Lake City movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.

Which movers in Salt Lake City give price breaks?

Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.

Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.

Who can move pianos or antiques in Salt Lake City?

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 18 movers in Salt Lake City advertise piano moving expertise. 13 movers in Salt Lake City provide antique moving services. State totals show 26 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,300 and 1,465.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.