Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to Des Moines typically costs $4,100–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,756 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Seattle to Des Moines
Moving from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA typically costs $4,100–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,756-mile move from Seattle to Des Moines, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $12,069 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,406 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,764 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 06, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 22, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 02, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Seattle to Des Moines
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,800, but larger homes can run up to $12,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Seattle.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,100–$3,200) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA guide.
Best Seattle to Des Moines movers by type
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Best professional movers from Seattle to Des Moines
For a stress-free interstate move from Seattle to Des Moines, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WA→IA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 94 Washington moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Seattle - roughly 49% less for singles and 55% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $3,740 in Seattle. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $9,801.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Seattle | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 42% lower in Des Moines than in Seattle, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 77% lower in Des Moines than in Seattle.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 25% less in Des Moines than in Seattle.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 49% less than in Seattle.
- 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 55% less than in Seattle.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 23% higher compared to Seattle, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 32% lower in Des Moines than in Seattle. 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 Washington 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 Seattle with Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Seattle than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Seattle than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Seattle than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Seattle than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Des Moines
| Seattle | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 39 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is within about 5% of Seattle, so they’re very similar in size.
- Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Seattle's score of 8.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 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 Seattle, which has a score of 71.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 5.0 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 57.8 vs Seattle's 49.23.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Seattle it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle 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 Seattle to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Seattle to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Seattle are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from Seattle 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 Seattle to Des Moines take?
A move of 1,756 miles from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Seattle 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 Seattle?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 3 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 Seattle offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 47 movers in Seattle have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 35 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WA, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
