($1,216) Moving from Des Moines to Scottsdale

Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to Scottsdale costs $968 to $6,656 and takes three-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 1,386-mile move yourself.

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  • East coast focus
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Des Moines 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 Scottsdale to Des Moines guide.

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The best Des Moines to Scottsdale moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Scottsdale 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 Des Moines to Scottsdale.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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 Des Moines to Scottsdale?

Des Moines movers charge $142 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 $1,216 - $5,095 $932 - $2,359 $843 - $1,647
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,806 - $6,656 $1,666 - $3,437 $968 - $1,900
4+ bedrooms $5,100 - $9,232 $2,287 - $4,764 $1,172 - $2,295
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,386 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 Des Moines to Scottsdale

The cost of Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Scottsdale can be as low as $1,216 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,351.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, 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 $843 to $2,208. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Scottsdale will cost between $1,216 to $5,095. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,806 to $6,656, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Scottsdale will cost from $5,100 to $9,232.

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

Moving containers from Des Moines to Scottsdale will cost you $932 to $2,359 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,666 to $3,437. A larger home will cost $2,287 to $4,764.

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

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 $843 to $1,647. A larger move will cost $968 to $1,900, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Scottsdale costs from $1,172 to $2,295. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Scottsdale

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Scottsdale

Des Moines Scottsdale
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,500
Average home value $192,347 $789,819
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $63,135
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $1,956
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,570
Unemployment rate 5.9% 4.7%
Sales Tax 7.0% 8.05%
State Income Tax 4.4% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Scottsdale are 117% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Scottsdale are 310.6% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Scottsdale is 7.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 3.4% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 4.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 20.34% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Scottsdale are 15.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Scottsdale are 43.18% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,103.12 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines compared to Scottsdale?

Scottsdale Des Moines
Population 241,361 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 32 45
Bike friendliness score 56 39
Crime Index 26.05 5.0
Safety Index 75.76 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Scottsdale's population is about 65% less than Des Moines.
  • Scottsdale's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
  • Scottsdale is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Scottsdale is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Scottsdale's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 26.05 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 26.05% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Scottsdale is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 75.76 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Scottsdale is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Scottsdale

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Arizona 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 Scottsdale. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Des Moines movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154

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

What to do in Scottsdale

These are some of the best things to do in your new Arizona home.

  • Taliesin West
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
  • Old Town Scottsdale
  • Pinnacle Peak Park
  • Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
  • Butterfly Wonderland
  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve
  • Tom's Thumb Trailhead
  • OdySea Aquarium
  • Scottsdale Fashion Square
  • Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
  • Penske Racing Museum
  • Cosanti
  • Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
  • Brown's Ranch Trailhead

Get your sports on!

Scottsdale is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB)

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Des Moines to Scottsdale is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

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

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

The 1,386-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Scottsdale, AZ, takes three-eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Scottsdale.

Helpful moving resources