($1,179) Movers From Des Moines, IA to San Antonio, TX

Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to San Antonio costs $660–$5,767 and takes two to 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 1,007-mile move yourself.

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

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

The best Des Moines to San Antonio full-service moving companies

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Des Moines to go to San Antonio can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

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

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to San Antonio?toggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to San Antonio will cost between $1,179 to $4,567. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,499 to $5,767, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to San Antonio will cost from $4,096 to $7,633.

The best moving containers for your Des Moines to San Antonio move

Moving containers can be a cost-effective option for moving from Des Moines to San Antonio. You’ll save a little money by opting to pack and load everything yourself, but the container company will take care of the transportation for you.

We recommend these moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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best for large moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
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Check prices (352) 322-2920

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to San Antonio?toggle

Moving containers from Des Moines to San Antonio will cost you $835 to $1,861 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,483 to $2,980. A larger home will cost $1,924 to $3,772.

The best moving truck rentals for your Des Moines to San Antonio move

If you want to save even more money on your Des Moines to San Antonio move, renting a moving truck is your cheapest option. Keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the work — packing, loading, and driving. But that extra work will pay off in terms of keeping costs low.

These top moving truck rentals are a great place to start:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
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Check prices (800) 468-4285
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
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How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to San Antonio?toggle

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 $599 to $1,185. A larger move will cost $660 to $1,464, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to San Antonio costs from $812 to $1,765. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best labor-only movers for your Des Moines to San Antonio move

If you need some extra hands to help you with your move, you’ll want to hire labor-only movers with reasonable hourly rates and professional crews. Labor-only companies that offer add-on options like packing and cleaning allow you to more fully tailor services to your needs and budget.

Consider these highly rated labor-only movers to help you move from Des Moines to San Antonio:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to San Antonio?

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 $1,179 - $4,567 $835 - $1,861 $599 - $1,185
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,499 - $5,767 $1,483 - $2,980 $660 - $1,464
4+ bedrooms $4,096 - $7,633 $1,924 - $3,772 $812 - $1,765
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,007 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 San Antoniotoggle

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 San Antonio can be as low as $1,179 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,508.
  • 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 $599 to $1,599. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to San Antonio

Des Moines San Antonio
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,496
Average home value $192,347 $249,398
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $62,451
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,194
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,931
Unemployment rate 5.9% 3.8%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.25%
State income tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in San Antonio are 30% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in San Antonio are 29.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in San Antonio is 6.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Antonio is 16.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Antonio is 12.6% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in San Antonio is 35.59% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in San Antonio are 17.86% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in San Antonio are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,480.70 in San Antonio to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. San Antonio

San Antonio Des Moines
Population 1,434,625 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 37 45
Bike friendliness score 45 39
Crime Index 48.06 5.0
Safety Index 51.94 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Antonio's population is about 105% greater than Des Moines.
  • San Antonio's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • San Antonio is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • San Antonio is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • San Antonio's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.06 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that San Antonio neighborhoods are safer than 48.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • San Antonio is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 51.94 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in San Antonio is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. San Antonio move

  • Weather: San Antonio has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas 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 San Antonio. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in San Antonio

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Alamo City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Antonio.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Alamo Heights
  • Downtown
  • Tobin Hill
  • Monte Vista

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Alamo Heights
  • Great Northwest
  • Northwest Crossing
  • Oak Park-Northwood
  • Terrell Hills

Things to do in San Antoniotoggle

After settling into your new Texas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Antonio has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: San Antonio is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Alamo, Witte Museum, The DoSeum - San Antonio's Museum for Kids, Briscoe Western Art Museum, and McNay Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Brackenridge Park, Phil Hardberger park, Japanese Tea Garden, and Mercado O'liva — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an UTSA Roadrunners American football, San Antonio Spurs Basketball, San Antonio Missions, or San Antonio FC game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to San Antonio?

The best time to move from Des Moines to San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to San Antonio 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 San Antonio take?

The 1,007-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to San Antonio, TX, takes two to 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 San Antonio.

Helpful moving resources