Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best WA→IA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 94 Washington moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Tacoma - roughly 54% less for singles and 40% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $4,133 in Tacoma. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $7,260.

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

	Tacoma	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,935	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$3,389	$1,763
Average home value	$477,289	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$73,341	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$4,133	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$7,260	$4,380
Unemployment rate	7.3%	5.9%
Sales tax	10.3%	7.0%
State income tax	0.0%	4.4%

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

Rent is about 30% less expensive in Des Moines than in Tacoma, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 60% cheaper in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 20% less in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 54% below that of Tacoma.
A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 40% lower compared to Tacoma.
Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate than Tacoma by about 19%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
Sales taxes are 32% cheaper in Des Moines compared to Tacoma. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
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.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tacoma versus Des Moines:

Living Expense	Tacoma	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$229.80	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$71.50	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$4.84	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$4.21	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.50	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$72.50	$77.50
Gym membership	$51.67	$66.67

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

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Des Moines

	Tacoma	Des Moines
Population	223,968	699,292
Transportation score	6	5
Walkability score	54	45
Bike friendliness score	48	39
Crime index	55.55	5.0
Safety index	44.45	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Des Moines's population is about 212% greater than Tacoma.
Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Tacoma's score of 6.
Des Moines is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 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 Tacoma, which has a score of 48.
Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 5.0 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
Des Moines is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 57.8 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Tacoma it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma to Des Moines move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Des Moines

With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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

With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

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, 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tacoma to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tacoma.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Des Moines?

Want to save on your move from Tacoma to Des Moines? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Tacoma to Des Moines take?

The 1,769-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Des Moines, IA, takes five to 16 days. Some Tacoma movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

What kinds of discounts do Tacoma movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Tacoma?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 47 movers in Tacoma provide piano moving services. 37 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.