Plan your Des Moines to Nevada move with real cost estimates, top local movers, and a cost of living breakdown to help you budget before you go.
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If you're moving from Des Moines to Nevada, you're covering roughly 1,450 miles and stepping into a genuinely different cost-of-living reality — higher rents, dramatically higher home prices, no state income tax, and summers that will redefine your definition of hot. Before you start boxing things up, it's worth knowing what this move actually costs by home size, which Des Moines movers are worth your time on an interstate haul this long, and what life in Nevada looks like compared to what you're leaving behind.
Out of 13 Des Moines movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, here are the top five for this route:
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322 92% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
A 92% positive review rate across a substantial review base is the kind of number that's hard to fake. Customers consistently describe crews that work fast without being sloppy — attentive handling, clear communication, and jobs that sometimes come in under budget because the team moves efficiently. Office support gets called out positively more often than you'd expect, which matters when you're coordinating a long-distance move.
The negatives: occasional item damage on more complex jobs, and some reviewers report unexpected charges. Neither is unusual for a high-volume operation, but it's worth pinning down your pricing in writing before moving day.
DOT #: 2527384 | In business: 27 years Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 64% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
All Mighty Movers gets high marks for speed and price — two things that matter a lot when you're heading nearly 1,500 miles west. Customers frequently mention that crews handled furniture and fragile items carefully while still keeping a quick pace. Many say the company beats local competitors on both price and attitude.
That said, a 36% negative review rate is higher than I want to see on a route this long. The main complaints center on estimates that don't hold up, unexpected fees, and unclear communication when the bill doesn't match the quote. Get every charge itemized in writing and ask directly what triggers extra costs before you commit.
Hourly rate: ~$130/hr | DOT #: 2468266 | In business: 10 years Services: Local moves, interstate moves, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325 93% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Ninety-three percent positive across a large volume of reviews — that's the kind of track record that holds up under scrutiny. Customers highlight speed, professionalism, and an ability to problem-solve mid-move without drama. Friendly crews get mentioned almost universally, and reliability is the thread that runs through most of the positive feedback.
The downsides are infrequent but real: a handful of reports about item damage, billing surprises, and the occasional crew member who wasn't on their best day. Those are the exceptions in an otherwise consistent operation.
DOT #: 2378173 | In business: 7 years Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322 100% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Nearly 100% positive feedback across a large sample isn't a lucky streak — it means something structurally right is happening here. Customers describe accurate quotes, well-trained crews, and genuine care for specialty items: pianos, antiques, art, grandfather clocks. Many call it the best moving experience they've had. For a move with high-value or fragile inventory, that's meaningful.
One notable exception in the record: a billing dispute where the final charge far exceeded the initial estimate and wasn't resolved well. One data point in an otherwise outstanding track record, but worth knowing if you're moving anything expensive.
Hourly rate: ~$100/hr | DOT #: 1471037 | In business: 25 years Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; pianos; art; antiques; grandfather clocks; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; safes
523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 68% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: NR
Select Van & Storage operates as a Mayflower agent with nearly 80 years in business. That kind of longevity means they've moved through enough market cycles to know what they're doing. Customers appreciate transparent pricing, careful handling, and jobs that often come in on or under budget. The upfront estimate process gets called out specifically as a strong point.
Where things slip: delivery reliability and communication under pressure. Late pickups, items left behind, and slow damage claim responses show up across the negative reviews. On a long haul to Nevada, those delays don't stay contained — they ripple. Worth getting a quote, but nail down the delivery window before you sign anything.
DOT #: 1098759 | In business: 79 years Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; shipment tracking; DOD certified
Here's a snapshot of specialty services available across Des Moines movers:
| Service | Movers Offering | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 9 | 69% |
| Small moves | 9 | 69% |
| Antiques | 6 | 46% |
| Art | 7 | 54% |
| Pianos | 10 | 77% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 | 31% |
The table below shows typical price ranges by home size and service type for this ~1,453-mile route. Use our moving cost calculator to build a more accurate number around your specific inventory and timeline.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,135 – $4,548 | $906 – $2,272 | $852 – $1,550 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,891 – $6,339 | $1,603 – $3,415 | $894 – $1,843 |
| 4+ BR | $4,845 – $8,970 | $2,156 – $4,689 | $1,182 – $2,393 |
Estimates reflect pricing data as of January 2026. Final costs vary based on inventory, access conditions, fuel, timing, and add-ons. Compare multiple quotes before committing.
Full-service movers are your highest-cost option on this route — but they're also the option where you show up and things are handled. For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,135 to $4,548. A two- or three-bedroom home typically runs $2,891 to $6,339. Larger households — four bedrooms or more — should expect anywhere from $4,845 to $8,970.
The wide range within each tier reflects differences in company, timing, and add-ons like packing services or specialty item handling. Comparing at least three quotes is worth the extra hour it takes.
Moving containers sit between full-service and fully DIY: a company delivers the container, you load it on your schedule, and they haul it to Nevada. For a small load, expect $906 to $2,272. A two- or three-bedroom move typically lands between $1,603 and $3,415. Larger households can run $2,156 to $4,689. It's a genuinely flexible option if you need time to load without a crew standing around on the clock.
If you want to keep costs as low as possible and don't mind doing the physical work yourself, a rental truck is the cheapest path. For a studio or one-bedroom, plan on $852 to $1,550. Two- to three-bedroom moves land between $894 and $1,843. Larger households should expect $1,182 to $2,393. Those ranges already factor in estimated fuel for the 1,450-mile drive.
What I'd tell a friend: the savings are real, but so is the fatigue of driving a loaded 26-foot truck across Iowa, Nebraska, and into the Nevada desert. Be honest with yourself about whether that tradeoff makes sense.
A few variables that move the needle on what you actually pay:
Moving to Nevada means adjusting to a higher cost of living on most fronts — but also higher average wages and no state income tax. Those factors interact in ways worth understanding before you lock in a budget.
| Des Moines, IA | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $1,382 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $442,185 |
| Per capita income | $58,492 | $71,646 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0% |
Des Moines sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Nevada sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
The numbers that stand out most:
| Des Moines, IA | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 3,194,176 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57–41 | Democratic 50.6–47.5 |
| Summer high | 86°F | 96°F |
| Winter low | 13°F | 27°F |
| Annual rain | 36" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 33" | 22" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 28.34 |
Des Moines sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Nevada sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
Things worth knowing before you get there:
The logistics that tend to get overlooked until move day:
Nevada offers more than most people expect, particularly once you get past the Strip.
Expect three to eight days depending on service type and time of year. Peak summer season can push timelines longer. Before you book, ask your mover for a written delivery window — not just a general estimate.
Eight movers in Des Moines can build custom crates for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm that materials and dimensions match your specific items before booking.
Driving adds 1,450-plus miles of wear on your vehicle. Auto transport is worth pricing out for this distance — compare a few carriers, check their FMCSA registration, and factor the cost against the mileage you'd put on your car.
Mostly the combination: outdoor recreation, significantly milder winters, no state income tax, and a job market that's grown steadily in logistics, hospitality, and tech. It's as much a practical financial move as it is a lifestyle one for a lot of people.
Start with our list of long-distance movers to compare options rated specifically for interstate hauls. SafeShip Moving is one operator I've found reliable on routes of this distance — worth including in your comparison when you're getting quotes.
Four Des Moines movers accept cash. That said, cash leaves you with almost no paper trail if something goes wrong. Credit card or another traceable payment method offers far more protection. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to hold your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery — confirm the schedule and accepted payment types with your specific mover.
