$1,300 Movers from Arlington to Des Moines

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA averages from $829 to $6,612 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring a full-service Arlington moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Des Moines, IA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Arlington guide.

Moving From Arlington to Des Moines

Moving 1,017 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The Best Arlington to Des Moines Moving Companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Arlington to Des Moines is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
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(855) 929-4120

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Des Moines?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,300 - $5,290 $968 - $2,361 $768 - $1,457
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,754 - $6,612 $1,738 - $3,457 $829 - $1,732
4+ bedrooms $4,515 - $8,664 $2,344 - $4,549 $1,041 - $2,107
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,017 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Arlington to Des Moines will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Arlington to Des Moines?

To ship furniture from Arlington to Des Moines with a mover will cost between $1,300 to $5,290. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,754 to $6,612, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Arlington to Des Moines will cost from $4,515 to $8,664.

How much are moving container companies from Arlington to Des Moines?

Moving containers from Arlington to Des Moines will cost you $968 to $2,361 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,738 to $3,457. A larger home will cost $2,344 to $4,549.

How much is a moving truck from Arlington to Des Moines?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $768 to $1,457. A larger move will cost $829 to $1,732, and a 4+ bedroom move from Arlington to Des Moines costs from $1,041 to $2,107.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA

Cost of Living: Arlington vs Des Moines

Arlington Des Moines
Average rent cost $2,135 $878
Average home value $817,610 $189,518
Average income (per capita) $120,071 $58,492
Cost of Living (single person) $0 $1,891
Cost of Living (family of 4) $0 $4,380
Unemployment rate 4.0% 5.9%
Sales Tax 6.0% 7.0%
State Income Tax 5.75% 8.53%
  • Rent Prices in Des Moines, IA are 59% lower than in Arlington, VA.
  • Home Prices in Des Moines, IA are 76.8% lower than in Arlington, VA.
  • Income in Des Moines, IA is 51.3% lower than in Arlington, VA.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in Des Moines, IA is inf% higher than in Arlington, VA.
  • Cost of Living for a family in Des Moines, IA is inf% higher than in Arlington, VA.
  • Unemployment rate in Des Moines, IA is 47.50% higher than in Arlington, VA.
  • Sales Taxes in Des Moines, IA are 16.67% higher than in Arlington, VA.
  • State Income Taxes in Des Moines, IA are 48.35% higher than in Arlington, VA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $inf in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Arlington.

How is life different in Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA?

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
  • Des Moines’s population is about 193% greater than Arlington.
  • Des Moines’s public transportation is better than Arlington with a score of 5 vs 9.
  • Des Moines is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 45 vs 71.
  • Des Moines is less bike-friendly than Arlington with a score of 39 vs 72.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Arlington with a score of 5.0 compared to 15.67.
  • Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 57.8 vs 79.15.
  • Air Quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Arlington it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Des Moines, IA

  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Des Moines. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Arlington Movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
3431 Carlin Springs Road Suite B, Falls Church, VA, 22041
(703) 831-6409
Different Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
3057 Nutley St Ste 204, Fairfax, VA, 22031
(703) 997-0916

Visit our Best Movers in Arlington page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Des Moines, IA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hartford of the West", these are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to move to.

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

What to do in Des Moines

Moving to The “Hartford of the West”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Iowa home.

  • State Capitol
  • Science Center of Iowa
  • John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Salisbury House & Gardens
  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Principal Park
  • East Village
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
  • Water Works Park
  • Iowa State Fair
  • Hoyt Sherman Place
  • Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Get your sports on!

Des Moines is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Drake Bulldogs

FAQs about moving from Arlington to Des Moines

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

The best time to move from Arlington to Des Moines is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 86ºF and the winter lows of 13ºF in Des Moines.

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 summer or winter. Read our guide on getting discounts on moving services to learn more.

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Learn more about Des Moines