($1,157) Moving from Des Moines to Gainesville

Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to Gainesville costs $854 to $6,310 and takes two-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 1,223-mile move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 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
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 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 Gainesville to Des Moines guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Des Moines to Gainesville moving companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 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 Gainesville?

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 $1,157 - $4,800 $844 - $2,219 $782 - $1,420
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,665 - $6,310 $1,640 - $3,195 $854 - $1,790
4+ bedrooms $4,663 - $8,194 $2,177 - $4,062 $991 - $2,017
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,223 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 Gainesville

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 Gainesville can be as low as $1,157 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,261.
  • 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 $782 to $1,845. 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 Gainesville?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Gainesville will cost between $1,157 to $4,800. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,665 to $6,310, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Gainesville will cost from $4,663 to $8,194.

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

Moving containers from Des Moines to Gainesville will cost you $844 to $2,219 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,640 to $3,195. A larger home will cost $2,177 to $4,062.

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

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 $782 to $1,420. A larger move will cost $854 to $1,790, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Gainesville costs from $991 to $2,017. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Gainesville

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Gainesville

Des Moines Gainesville
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,600
Average home value $192,347 $288,002
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $59,013
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $1,727
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $3,491
Unemployment rate 5.9% 4.4%
Sales Tax 7.0% 7.0%
State Income Tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Gainesville are 39% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Gainesville are 49.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income is the same in Gainesville and Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Gainesville is 8.7% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 20.3% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 25.42% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Gainesville and Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Gainesville are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,739.82 in Gainesville 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 Gainesville?

Gainesville Des Moines
Population 141,085 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 37 45
Bike friendliness score 69 39
Crime Index 8.0 5.0
Safety Index 52.61 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Gainesville's population is about 80% less than Des Moines.
  • Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Gainesville is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Gainesville's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 8.0 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Gainesville is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 52.61 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Gainesville

  • Weather: April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida 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 Gainesville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • 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
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395

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

Where to live in Gainesville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Gainesville", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Gainesville.

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Northwest Gainesville
  • Duckpond
  • Haile Plantation
  • Eastside

What to do in Gainesville

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

  • Butterfly Rainforest
  • Florida Museum of Natural History
  • Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
  • Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
  • Paynes Prairie
  • University of Florida Bat House

Get your sports on!

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

  • Florida Gators (SEC)

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Des Moines to Gainesville 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 Gainesville?

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

The 1,223-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Gainesville, FL, takes two-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 Gainesville.

Helpful moving resources