($944) Moving from Des Moines to St. Louis

Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to St. Louis costs $347 to $4,948 and takes one-four 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 339-mile move yourself.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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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 St. Louis to Des Moines guide.

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The best Des Moines to St. Louis moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to St. Louis 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 St. Louis.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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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 St. Louis?

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 $944 - $3,066 $619 - $1,541 $333 - $606
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,692 - $4,948 $1,122 - $2,181 $347 - $762
4+ bedrooms $2,759 - $6,877 $1,529 - $2,827 $425 - $825
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 339 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 St. Louis

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 St. Louis can be as low as $944 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,738.
  • 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 $333 to $816. 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 St. Louis?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to St. Louis will cost between $944 to $3,066. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,692 to $4,948, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to St. Louis will cost from $2,759 to $6,877.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to St. Louis?

Moving containers from Des Moines to St. Louis will cost you $619 to $1,541 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,122 to $2,181. A larger home will cost $1,529 to $2,827.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to St. Louis?

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 $333 to $606. A larger move will cost $347 to $762, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to St. Louis costs from $425 to $825. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to St. Louis

Cost of living: Des Moines vs St. Louis

Des Moines St. Louis
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,125
Average home value $192,347 $166,529
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $60,947
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $899
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $3,166
Unemployment rate 5.9% 6.3%
Sales Tax 7.0% 9.68%
State Income Tax 4.4% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in St. Louis are 2% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in St. Louis are 13.4% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Income in St. Louis is 4.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in St. Louis is 52.5% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in St. Louis is 27.7% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in St. Louis is 6.78% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in St. Louis are 38.29% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in St. Louis are 12.50% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,426.23 in St. Louis 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 St. Louis?

St. Louis Des Moines
Population 293,310 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 66 45
Bike friendliness score 58 39
Crime Index 77.64 5.0
Safety Index 29.49 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • St. Louis's population is about 58% less than Des Moines.
  • St. Louis's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • St. Louis is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 66 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • St. Louis is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • St. Louis's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 77.64 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 77.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • St. Louis is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 29.49 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in St. Louis is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to St. Louis

  • Weather: St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.
  • 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 St. Louis. 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
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.

Where to live in St. Louis

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chess Capital of the World ", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in St. Louis.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Central West End
  • Downtown
  • Lafayette Square
  • Shaw
  • Soulard

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Hi-Pointe
  • The Hill
  • Lindenwood Park
  • Shaw
  • Skinker DeBaliviere

What to do in St. Louis

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

  • Gateway Arch
  • Missouri Botanical Garden
  • St. Louis Zoo
  • Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
  • City Museum
  • Busch Stadium
  • Forest Park
  • Saint Louis Art Museum
  • Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park
  • Old Courthouse

Get your sports on!

St. Louis is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • St. Louis Cardinals Baseball (MLB)
  • St. Louis Blues (NHL)
  • St. Louis City SC (MLS)
  • St. Louis BattleHawks (XFL)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to St. Louis?

The best time to move from Des Moines to St. Louis 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 St. Louis?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to St. Louis 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 St. Louis take?

The 339-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to St. Louis, MO, takes one-four 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 St. Louis.

Helpful moving resources