($1,170) Moving from Mobile to Des Moines

Quick answer: A move from Mobile to Des Moines costs $667 to $6,385 and takes two-seven 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 971-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Mobile will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

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

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The best Mobile to Des Moines moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Mobile to Des Moines is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Mobile to Des Moines.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

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

Mobile movers charge $150 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 $1,170 - $4,706 $842 - $1,871 $624 - $1,252
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,465 - $6,385 $1,423 - $2,738 $667 - $1,389
4+ bedrooms $3,994 - $8,552 $2,015 - $3,823 $836 - $1,689
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 971 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Mobile to Des Moines

The cost of Mobile movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Mobile to Des Moines can be as low as $1,170 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,007.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Mobile, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $624 to $1,500. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Mobile to Des Moines?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Mobile to Des Moines will cost between $1,170 to $4,706. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,465 to $6,385, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Mobile to Des Moines will cost from $3,994 to $8,552.

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

Moving containers from Mobile to Des Moines will cost you $842 to $1,871 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,423 to $2,738. A larger home will cost $2,015 to $3,823.

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

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $624 to $1,252. A larger move will cost $667 to $1,389, and a four-bedroom move from Mobile to Des Moines costs from $836 to $1,689. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Mobile to Des Moines

Cost of living: Mobile vs Des Moines

Mobile Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,150
Average home value $182,146 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $60,493 $58,492
Cost of Living (single person) $1,623 $1,891
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,060 $4,380
Unemployment rate 6.2% 5.9%
Sales Tax 10.0% 7.0%
State Income Tax 5.0% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 8% lower than in Mobile.
  • Home prices in Des Moines are 5.6% higher than in Mobile.
  • Income in Des Moines is 3.3% lower than in Mobile.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 16.5% higher than in Mobile.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 7.9% higher than in Mobile.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 4.84% lower than in Mobile.
  • Sales taxes in Des Moines are 30.00% lower than in Mobile.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 12.00% lower than in Mobile.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,495.38 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.

How is life different in Mobile compared to Des Moines?

Des Moines Mobile
Population 699,292 187,041
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 45 32
Bike friendliness score 39 34
Crime Index 5.0 65.31
Safety Index 57.8 34.69
Air Quality Good Good
  • Des Moines's population is about 274% greater than Mobile.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Mobile's higher score of 3.
  • Des Moines is more walkable than Mobile with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Mobile's 32 out of 100.
  • Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Mobile with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Mobile's 34.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Mobile with a score of 5.0 compared to Mobile's 65.31. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 65.31%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be safer than Mobile with a safety index of 57.8 vs Mobile's 34.69.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Mobile it's good.

Considerations for moving to Des Moines

  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 forwarded to Des Moines. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Mobile movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Griner Moving Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
2785 Macmae Dr, Mobile, AL, 36606
(251) 451-9446
RS Moving & Warehousing Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
3704 Moffett Rd, Mobile, AL, 36618
(251) 895-2675

Visit our best long distance movers in Mobile page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

What to do in Des Moines

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

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Mobile 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 Mobile.

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

Because most people are moving from Mobile 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 Mobile to Des Moines take?

The 971-mile move from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA, takes two-seven days. Some Mobile movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

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