($2,241) Move Cost from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA

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Moving Distance: 1,683 miles

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Honey Jay
Updated : Apr 2026

Costs and Miles: The distance between Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA is roughly 1,683 miles.Your moving costs will likely fall between $1,027 and $6,667, based on the size of your home and how you organize the move. The total amount can depend on moving date, the volume of your belongings, and whether you choose professional movers or go with a DIY truck rental.

Best Movers by Move Type

Local

Local

Interstate

Interstate

Container

Container

Rental Truck

Rental Truck

Mayzlin Relocation LLC verified

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  • (4.1)

Company Based in : North Carolina

Allied Van Lines verified

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  • (5)

Company Based in : Indiana

Colonial Van Lines verified

colonial-van-lines-inc-logo
  • (4.6)

Company Based in : Florida

Bellhops verified

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  • (4.5)

Company Based in : Tennessee

American Van Lines verified

american-van-lines-logo
  • (4.3)

Company Based in : Florida

United Van Lines verified

united-van-lines-logo
  • (4.3)

Company Based in : Missouri

Safeway Moving Inc verified

safeway-moving-inc-logo
  • (4.7)

Company Based in : Florida

Allied Van Lines verified

allied-van-lines-logo
  • (5)

Company Based in : Indiana

1-800-PACK-RAT verified

1-800-pack-rat-2-logo
  • (4.9)

Company Based in : North Carolina

PODS Moving and Storage verified

pods-moving-and-storage-logo
  • (5)

Company Based in : Florida

Zippy Shell verified

zippy-shell-logo
  • (4.9)

Company Based in : Virginia

MovingYourself verified

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  • (4.9)

Company Based in : Florida

U-Haul verified

u-haul-logo
  • (4.8)

Company Based in : Arizona

Budget Truck Rental verified

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  • (4.7)

Company Based in : New Jersey

Penske Truck Rental verified

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  • (5)

Company Based in : Pennsylvania

Home Depot verified

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  • (4)

Company Based in : South Carolina

Average Moving Cost from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA

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Studio / 1 bedroom

Moving Company: $2,241 - $4,938

Moving Container: $1,442 - $2,656

Rental Truck: $973 - $1,876

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2 – 3 bedrooms

Moving Company: $3,077 - $6,667

Moving Container: $1,887 - $3,813

Rental Truck: $1,027 - $2,164

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4+ bedrooms

Moving Company: $5,744 - $9,801

Moving Container: $2,492 - $5,164

Rental Truck: $1,326 - $2,784

Recent Moving Price Estimates
The quotes shown below are actual requests submitted by My Moving Journey users within the last two days. Moving costs can shift depending on timing and availability, so consider these figures as general estimates rather than exact prices.
Professional
Safeway Moving
3 Bedrooms
$4,288
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Professional
American Van Lines
2 Bedrooms
$3,077
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Container
1-800 Pack Rat
2 Bedrooms
$1,642
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Professional
Roadway Relocation
2 Bedrooms
$2,542
Get a Quote
Professional
Blvd Moving
3 Bedrooms
$5,340
Get a Quote
Professional
Mayzlin Relocation
2 Bedrooms
$3,077
Get a Quote
Professional
Allied Van Lines
3 Bedrooms
$3,977
Get a Quote
Professional
United Van Lines
3 Bedrooms
$3,577
Get a Quote

Best Local Moving Companies for Your Des Moines to Los Angeles Move

Finding a trustworthy moving company in Des Moines for your move to Los Angeles can feel challenging. That’s why we took the time to research and find reliable movers for your relocation.

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Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Des Moines to Los Angeles move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles

Cost of living
Metric Des Moines Los Angeles
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,960
Average home value $192,347 $2,368,088
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $74,993
Cost of living (single) $1,891 $5,833
Cost of living (family of four) $4,380 $12,720
Unemployment rate 5.9% 10.6%
State income tax 4.4% 13.3%
Sources

World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo

Life in Des Moines, IA vs. Los Angeles, CA
Metric Des Moines Los Angeles
Population 699,292 3,820,914
Transportation score 5 8
Walkability score 45 69
Bike friendliness score 39 59
Crime Index 5.0 53.81
Safety Index 57.8 46.19
Air Quality Good Moderate
Sources

U.S. Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, Neighborhood Scout, Best Places Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow,

Nearby Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for Singles

Planning a move to Los Angeles and searching for a place with a fun, energetic vibe and plenty to do? These neighborhoods are a great fit for singles:

  • Avondale
  • Mountain Brook Village
  • Downtown Los Angeles / Railroad Park District
  • Homewood
  • Southside / Five Points South

Nearby Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for Families

For those relocating with kids, these parts of Los Angeles provide room to grow, quality schools, and secure surroundings:

  • Hoover
  • Mountain Brook
  • Briarwood / Crestline
  • Shelby County suburbs
  • Vestavia Hills

Explore Los Angeles Attractions

Below are a few top places to check out in Los Angeles:

  • Vulcan Park and Museum
  • Los Angeles Civil Rights Institute
  • Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
  • McWane Science Center
  • Los Angeles Museum of Art
  • Railroad Park
  • Red Mountain Park
  • Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
  • Regions Field (home of the Los Angeles Barons)
  • Los Angeles Zoo

Frequently Asked Questions

Most relocations between Des Moines to Los Angeles take around one to two days. The exact timing depends on how much you’re moving, the route taken, and whether you choose full-service movers or handle the move yourself.

Moving prices can vary widely based on your home size and the services you select. On this route, full-service movers often charge between $2,241 and $4,938 for a studio or one-bedroom, with higher rates for larger homes.

Several things affect your final price, including how big your home or shipment is, the type of moving service you choose (full service, DIY, or truck rental), and the time of year you move.

Yes, there can be some adjustments. Daily expenses like groceries and utilities may change slightly. Some costs could increase, so comparing expenses ahead of time can help you plan your budget.

Spring and fall are often the best choices since they usually avoid peak prices and harsh weather. Moving during off-peak times, such as winter, may also come with lower rates.