$992 Movers From Des Moines, IA to Wisconsin

Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA, to Wisconsin averages from $379 to $5,038, and can take anywhere from one-four days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

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Moving 360 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Wisconsin to Des Moines, IA guide.

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The best Des Moines to Wisconsin moving companies

Hiring the right interstate moving company from Des Moines to Wisconsin is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Des Moines and 267 throughout the Badger State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

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

Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA, to Wisconsin?

Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Des Moines to Wisconsin:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $992 - $3,148 $666 - $1,562 $363 - $625
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,744 - $5,038 $1,171 - $2,191 $379 - $786
4+ bedrooms $2,966 - $6,889 $1,611 - $2,761 $456 - $950

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 360 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.

The cost to move from Des Moines, IA, to Wisconsin will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Des Moines, IA, to Wisconsin?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Wisconsin will cost between $992 to $3,148. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to WI will range from $1,744 to $5,038. A large move from Des Moines to Wisconsin will cost anywhere from $2,966 to $6,889.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Des Moines, IA, to Wisconsin?

Moving pods from Des Moines to Wisconsin will cost you $666 to $1,562. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,171 to $2,191. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,611 to $2,761. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Des Moines to Wisconsin.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines, IA, to Wisconsin?

A moving rental truck is generally 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 $363 to $625. A larger move will cost $379 to $786, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Des Moines to Wisconsin costs from $456 to $950.

Is moving from Des Moines, IA, to Wisconsin a good idea?

If you’re moving to Wisconsin from Des Moines, IA, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Des Moines, IA, vs Wisconsin

Des Moines, IA Wisconsin
Average rent cost $1,150 $856
Average home cost $192,347 $250,257
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $63,293
Unemployment rate 5.9% 4.1%
State income tax 4.4% 7.65%
  • Rent is about 37% less expensive in Wisconsin than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices are about 27.9% higher in Wisconsin than in Des Moines.
  • The average income is about 6.8% higher in Wisconsin than in Des Moines.
  • Wisconsin has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 56.3%.
  • Income taxes are 73.86% higher in Wisconsin than in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines, IA, from Wisconsin?

Des Moines, IA Wisconsin
Population 699,292 5,895,908
Political leaning Democratic 57-41 Democratic 50-49
Summer high 86ºF 81ºF
Winter low 13ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 36" 34"
Annual snow 33" 48"
Crime index 5.0 17.9
  • The population of Wisconsin is approximately 743% greater than the population of Des Moines.
  • In the last presidential election, Wisconsin voted Democratic and Des Moines voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Wisconsin is 81º F and in Des Moines, it’s 86º F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Wisconsin reaches the temperature of 7º F and Des Moines gets down to 13º F.
  • You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Wisconsin vs. 36 inches of rainfall in Des Moines.
  • In Wisconsin, it snows about 48 inches annually vs. 33 inches of snow in Des Moines.

Considerations for moving to Wisconsin

  • Weather: Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer..
  • 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 providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for 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 movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Wisconsin

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Wisconsin.

Museums in Wisconsin

  • Harley-Davidson Museum
  • Milwaukee Art Museum
  • Civil War Museum
  • Hearthstone Historic House Museum
  • Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame
  • EAA Aviation Museum
  • Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
  • Building for Kids
  • Geneva Lake Museum of History
  • Circus World
  • Chazen Museum of Art
  • Milwaukee Public Museum
  • Wisconsin Maritime Museum
  • The History Museum at the Castle
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not Wisconsin Dells

Parks in Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin Deer Park
  • Cave Point County Park
  • Timbavati Wildlife Park
  • Carson Park
  • Petrifying Springs Park
  • Irvine Park
  • Lakeside Park
  • Fox River Park
  • Riverside Park
  • Minooka Park
  • Fox Brook Park
  • Plamann Park
  • Interstate State Park- Wisconsin
  • Dorothy Carnes County Park & Rose Lake State Natural Area
  • Rotary Park

Sports Teams in Wisconsin

  • Green Bay Packers (NFL)
  • Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
  • Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
  • Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League)
  • Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)

Universities in Wisconsin

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Marquette University
  • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
  • University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
  • University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
  • University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
  • University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
  • University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • Lawrence University
  • Beloit College
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering
  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines to Wisconsin

What is the best way to get a car from Des Moines to Wisconsin?

Need to get your car from Des Moines to Wisconsin? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Des Moines to Wisconsin car shippers.

Why are people moving from Des Moines to Wisconsin?

Many people are moving to Wisconsin because of its low cost of living and high quality of life.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Des Moines?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Wisconsin