Planning a move from Des Moines to Colorado? Get honest cost estimates ($1,126–$7,983), top movers, and a real cost-of-living comparison.
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If you're moving from Des Moines to Colorado, you're covering roughly 734 miles and making a decision that touches everything from your monthly rent to how much snow you're willing to shovel. The good news: Iowa and Colorado aren't wildly different on the cost-of-living index, so the financial adjustment won't be as jarring as some cross-country moves. The bad news: home prices in Colorado run about 181% higher than Des Moines. More on that below.
First, the Des Moines movers best equipped to handle this route — then the real cost numbers, then the life comparison.
Out of 13 Des Moines movers that can handle interstate jobs, these five are the ones I'd point you toward for a move to Colorado.
92% positive | Yelp (23 reviews) | Google (505 reviews) | BBB: A+
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322 · (515) 216-3654 · DOT #2527384 · 27 years in business
The 92% positive rate holds up when you read the actual reviews. Customers consistently mention fast, careful crews who communicate well and show up organized. A handful reported coming in under their estimate because the team moved so efficiently. The 8% of negatives cluster around item damage, occasional inexperienced movers on complex jobs, and unexpected charges. Nothing unusual for a franchise of this size, but worth asking about their claims process before you book.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card accepted
64% positive | Yelp (28 reviews) | Google (490 reviews) | BBB: A+
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 · (515) 313-1395 · DOT #2468266 · 10 years in business · $130/hr
The actual moves tend to go well — fast crews, competitive pricing, good attitude even on difficult jobs. What earns that 36% negative rate is the invoice stage: billing surprises, unexpected add-on fees, and communication breakdowns around final charges. If you use them, get an itemized quote in writing and confirm what conditions would change it before moving day.
Services: Local, interstate, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes, credit card accepted
93% positive | Yelp (25 reviews) | Google (1,452 reviews) | BBB: A+
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325 · (336) 810-1801 · DOT #2378173 · 7 years in business
93% positive across 260 analyzed reviews is a legitimately strong number. Speed, friendliness, and careful handling come up repeatedly. The small pool of negatives — about 7% — involves item damage, unexpected charges, and isolated reports of unprofessional conduct. The 1,452 Google reviews give you a solid sample to read through before calling.
Services: Local, packing, unpacking, offices, storage, credit card accepted
100% positive | Yelp (3 reviews) | Google (271 reviews) | BBB: A+
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322 · (319) 519-0154 · DOT #1471037 · 25 years in business · $100/hr
Nearly 100% positive across 223 reviews is rare enough that I double-checked it. The feedback is consistent: accurate quotes, well-trained crews, and careful handling on both straightforward and complicated moves. The only documented negative involves a final charge significantly higher than the estimate, with no satisfactory resolution. One complaint in 223 is a strong signal. At $100/hr for local moves and 25 years in operation, this is the one I'd call first.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, credit card, money order, and cash accepted
68% positive | Yelp (4 reviews) | Google (22 reviews) | BBB: NR
523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 · (515) 223-8329 · DOT #1098759 · 79 years in business
Seventy-nine years in business is hard to dismiss. They operate as a Mayflower agent, which gives them access to a national network, shipment tracking, and full-valuation coverage. Positive reviewers highlight professional crews, transparent pricing, and smooth handling. The 32% negative feedback centers on late or missed deliveries, damaged or missing items, and slow claim responses. If your delivery timing is firm, get their window commitment in writing before you sign anything.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, DOD certified
Here's how the Des Moines market breaks down on specialty services — useful to know before you start calling around:
| Service | Movers Offering It | % of 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 9 | 69% |
| Small moves | 9 | 69% |
| Antiques | 6 | 46% |
| Art | 7 | 54% |
| Pianos | 10 | 77% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 | 31% |
Use the table below to set a realistic budget — then run your numbers through the moving cost calculator to get estimates tailored to your actual move size and situation.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,126 – $3,730 | $710 – $1,668 | $526 – $941 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,153 – $5,469 | $1,240 – $2,582 | $530 – $1,161 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,872 – $7,983 | $1,661 – $3,098 | $642 – $1,327 |
Estimates based on a 734-mile move from Des Moines to Colorado using rate data current as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move size, access conditions, add-on services, fuel prices, and timing.
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers run $1,126 to $3,730. A two- or three-bedroom home comes in at $2,153 to $5,469. For a four-bedroom-plus household, plan for $3,872 to $7,983. The upper end of those ranges reflects peak-season pricing, full packing services, and difficult access situations. Getting three quotes will tell you a lot.
Moving containers are worth considering on a long route like this. You load on your own schedule; the container company handles the 734-mile haul. For a small move, expect $710–$1,668. Two to three bedrooms run $1,240–$2,582. Four bedrooms or more lands at $1,661–$3,098.
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper — but 734 miles of driving is a real commitment, and you're responsible for every mile and gallon. Rough cost: $526–$941 for a studio or one-bedroom, $530–$1,161 for two to three bedrooms, and $642–$1,327 for a larger home. Fuel is factored into these estimates.
Three variables move the needle more than anything else on this route:
On a broad cost-of-living index, Iowa and Colorado are closer than you'd expect (87 vs. 91). Look at the individual line items, though, and a few numbers stand out — especially housing.
| Des Moines, IA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $58,492 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.49% |
Des Moines sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Colorado sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What this actually means for your budget:
| Des Moines, IA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Democrat (57–41) | Democrat (54–46) |
| Summer high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 13°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AirNow.
A few things worth unpacking:
A few logistics to lock down before moving day:
Once the boxes are unpacked, Colorado has plenty to explore.
Most moves on this 734-mile route take one to six days, depending on the company and service type. Summer moves run longer — demand is high, crews are stretched, and delays happen more often. Ask any mover you're considering to give you a delivery window in writing before you commit.
Eight movers in Des Moines offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces — including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you need that service, confirm the specifics with the company before booking rather than assuming it's included.
Use a licensed auto transport company with experience on Midwest-to-Mountain West routes. Get at least three quotes and ask whether open or enclosed transport makes sense for your vehicle.
Economic opportunity and outdoor recreation are the two biggest draws. Colorado's job market is measurably stronger — lower unemployment, higher incomes — and the access to mountains, skiing, hiking, and year-round outdoor activities is hard to replicate anywhere in the Midwest.
Start with our picks for the best long-distance movers — it covers what to look for, how to vet companies, and how to compare quotes on interstate routes like this one.
Four movers in Des Moines accept cash, but it's the exception rather than the rule. Most reputable moving companies prefer traceable payment. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to lock in your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm accepted payment methods with any company before you book.
