($788) Moving from Des Moines to Kansas City

Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to Kansas City costs $235 to $4,270 and takes one-two 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 193-mile move yourself.

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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 Kansas City to Des Moines guide.

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The best Des Moines to Kansas City moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Kansas City 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 Kansas City.

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
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Insuredcheckmark
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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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 Kansas City?

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 $788 - $2,909 $579 - $1,371 $231 - $395
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,464 - $4,270 $1,004 - $1,984 $235 - $444
4+ bedrooms $1,955 - $5,160 $1,301 - $2,424 $276 - $537
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 193 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 Kansas City

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 Kansas City can be as low as $788 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $4,544.
  • 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 $231 to $504. 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 Kansas City?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Kansas City will cost between $788 to $2,909. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,464 to $4,270, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Kansas City will cost from $1,955 to $5,160.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Kansas City?

Moving containers from Des Moines to Kansas City will cost you $579 to $1,371 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,004 to $1,984. A larger home will cost $1,301 to $2,424.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Kansas City?

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 $231 to $395. A larger move will cost $235 to $444, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Kansas City costs from $276 to $537. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Kansas City

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Kansas City

Des Moines Kansas City
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,260
Average home value $192,347 $226,632
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $63,147
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $1,085
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $3,793
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.3%
Sales Tax 7.0% 3.25%
State Income Tax 4.4% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Kansas City are 10% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Kansas City are 17.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Kansas City is 8.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Kansas City is 42.6% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Kansas City is 13.4% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Kansas City is 10.17% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Kansas City are 53.57% lower than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Kansas City are 12.50% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,721.31 in Kansas City 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 Kansas City?

Kansas City Des Moines
Population 508,090 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 35 45
Bike friendliness score 35 39
Crime Index 57.94 5.0
Safety Index 42.06 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Kansas City's population is about 27% less than Des Moines.
  • Kansas City's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
  • Kansas City is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Kansas City is less bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Kansas City's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 57.94 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 57.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Kansas City is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 42.06 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Kansas City is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Kansas City

  • Weather: Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
  • 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: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Missouri moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Missouri 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 Kansas City. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
  • 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
4.66 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 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 Kansas City

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

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • River Market
  • Union Hill
  • Volker
  • West Plaza
  • West Waldo

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Armour Hills
  • Brookside
  • Sunset Hill
  • Volker
  • Waldo

What to do in Kansas City

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

  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • Kansas City Zoo
  • Union Station
  • Country Club Plaza
  • National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
  • 18th and Vine - Downtown East
  • Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
  • The LEGOland Discovery Center
  • Steamboat Arabia Museum
  • Worlds of Fun

Get your sports on!

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

  • Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
  • Kansas City Royals (MLB)
  • Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
  • Sporting Kansas City II (MLS Next Pro)
  • Kansas City Current (NWSL)
  • Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)
  • Kansas City Comets (MASL)
  • Kansas City Monarchs (American Association)
  • Kansas City Blues (USA Rugby D1)
  • Kansas City Storm (WTFA)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Kansas City?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Kansas City 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 Kansas City?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Kansas City 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 Kansas City take?

The 193-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Kansas City, MO, takes one-two 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 Kansas City.

Helpful moving resources