Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Arlington to Des Moines costs $885–$6,705 and takes two to eight days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,018-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Arlington guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Arlington to Des Moines
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Arlington 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.
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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 VA to IA move
Local moving companies in Arlington
- 495 Movers, Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 1893270
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1893270
Services Offered
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2586700
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3306591
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Des Moines?
Arlington movers charge $110 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 | $1,428 - $5,928 | $1,044 - $2,444 | $852 - $1,603 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,999 - $6,705 | $1,817 - $3,616 | $885 - $1,867 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,915 - $9,526 | $2,576 - $5,097 | $1,156 - $2,250 |
Cost to hire movers from Virginia to Iowa
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Virginia to Iowa, you can expect to spend between $1,428 and $5,928. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,999 to $6,705 on the same route (VA to IA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Virginia to Iowa typically runs between $4,915 and $9,526.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to Iowa
If you’re relocating from Virginia to Iowa, you’ll typically spend between $1,044 and $2,444 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,817 up to $3,616. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,576 and $5,097. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia to Iowa
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $852 and $1,603. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $885 to $1,867. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,156 and $2,250.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Arlington to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Arlington to Des Moines
Moving from Arlington 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 Arlington than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Arlington compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Arlington | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,718 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,867 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,970 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 58% lower than in Arlington, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 76.3% lower than in Arlington. - Income in Des Moines is 54.4% lower than in Arlington, 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 72.5% lower than in Arlington.
- 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 63.4% less than what it costs in Arlington.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 47.50% higher than in Arlington.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Des Moines, since its sales taxes are 16.67% higher than what you are paying in Arlington.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 23.48% lower than in Arlington.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $826.12 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Arlington.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 238,643 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 15.67 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 79.15 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Des Moines is about 193% greater than Arlington, 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.
- Getting around Des Moines without a car might be more difficult than in Arlington. Des Moines has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Arlington is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Des Moines neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Arlington. Based on its score of 45 out of 100, Des Moines isn't as walkable as Arlington, which has a score of 71 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Des Moines, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Arlington. While Arlington has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Des Moines earned a 39. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Des Moines has a lower crime rate than Arlington based on scores of 5.0 and Arlington's 15.67, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Des Moines. With a crime index of 57.8, Des Moines ranks lower in overall safety than Arlington, whose index is 79.15. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Des Moines and Arlington 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 Arlington 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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 check the status of a Iowa moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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
Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- North of Grand
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
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: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Arlington to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Arlington to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Arlington. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Arlington 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 Arlington to Des Moines take?
Moving from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA covers 1,018 miles and usually takes two to eight days Need to move faster? Some Arlington movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
