Moving from Missourito Iowa
An interstate move, so the FMCSA's rules apply from the first quote. Between Saint Louis and Des Moines it is about 319 miles and about 6 hours; the 8 city pairs we price between the two states run from 209 to 397 miles.
Prices from our published model, not quotes. Distances marked ~ are estimated from city coordinates. We do not move anyone.
Saint Louis to Des Moines, the representative route
Each state is represented by its largest city we cover. The map shows that corridor; the table further down prices every city pair between Missouri and Iowa.
Cost of moving from Missouri to Iowa
At about 319 miles, full-service movers should land around $1,436 – $1,914 for a two-bedroom home and $1,651 – $2,201 for three bedrooms. Load a container yourself and the two-bedroom figure drops to $1,034 – $1,378; a freight trailer is $689 – $919.
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,077 – $1,436 | $775 – $1,034 | $517 – $689 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,292 – $1,723 | $930 – $1,240 | $620 – $827 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,436 – $1,914 | $1,034 – $1,378 | $689 – $919 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,651 – $2,201 | $1,189 – $1,585 | $792 – $1,057 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,866 – $2,488 | $1,344 – $1,792 | $896 – $1,194 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $2,153 – $2,871 | $1,550 – $2,067 | $1,034 – $1,378 |
Transport only, for an estimated 319 miles, from our published model: distance × home-size factor × service rate, shown as −10% to +20% around the base figure. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items sit on top. How we price it.
City-to-city routes from Missouri to Iowa
Every pair of cities we cover in the two states, nearest first. 2 have a full route page with a map, transit and licensed movers.
| Route | Distance | Transit | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City to Des Moines | ~209 mi | 1–3 days | $941 – $1,254 | $1,082 – $1,442 |
| Columbia to Des Moines | ~227 mi | 1–3 days | $1,022 – $1,362 | $1,175 – $1,566 |
| Columbia to Cedar Rapids | ~247 mi | 1–3 days | $1,112 – $1,482 | $1,278 – $1,704 |
| Saint Louis to Cedar Rapids | ~285 mi | 1–3 days | $1,283 – $1,710 | $1,475 – $1,967 |
| Kansas City to Cedar Rapids | ~292 mi | 1–3 days | $1,314 – $1,752 | $1,511 – $2,015 |
| Saint Louis to Des Moines | ~319 mi | 1–3 days | $1,436 – $1,914 | $1,651 – $2,201 |
| Springfield to Des Moines | ~353 mi | 1–3 days | $1,589 – $2,118 | $1,827 – $2,436 |
| Springfield to Cedar Rapids | ~397 mi | 1–3 days | $1,787 – $2,382 | $2,054 – $2,739 |
Routes without a link are priced on estimated distance only; the calculator measures the exact drive.
What the interstate rules give you
A licensed carrier. Active interstate operating authority (an MC number) and a USDOT number, both checkable on the FMCSA register. A company that offers neither is a broker at best.
A written estimate before loading. Binding fixes the price for the listed inventory; non-binding follows the weighed shipment. The carrier cannot demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery, with the balance billed within 30 days. Ask for binding not-to-exceed by name, after a survey.
Valuation. Released-value protection is included at 60 cents per pound per item; full-value protection is the upgrade worth buying for 319 miles of handling.
A delivery window, in writing. If it is on the bill of lading, missing it entitles you to delay costs. If it is not, it entitles you to an apology.
Interstate movers based in Missouri
245 household-goods carriers in Missouri are active on the FMCSA register. The largest with interstate authority, by registered fleet:
- United Van Lines, Fenton · USDOT 77949 · 4731 trucks
- Day Transfer Company Inc, Cape Girardeau · USDOT 2441154 · 80 trucks
- Carlyle Van Lines Inc, Warrensburg · USDOT 279780 · 62 trucks
- Aero Mayflower Transit Company, Earth City · USDOT 73351 · 42 trucks
- Cord Moving And Storage Company, Earth City · USDOT 181102 · 35 trucks
At the Iowa end
119 household-goods carriers are based in Iowa — useful if you need a local crew after delivery. A local move inside Des Moines runs about $475 – $775 for a two-bedroom home.
Timing the move
| Home size | October – April, mid-week | Summer weekend (+25%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 bedrooms | $1,436 – $1,914 | $1,795 – $2,393 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,651 – $2,201 | $2,064 – $2,751 |
Transit is 1 to 3 days. Book ahead: 2 to 4 weeks, 4 to 6 in summer. Trailers on this corridor fill faster in summer, but crews and trucks are stretched, so windows get wider, not shorter.
Other moves from Missouri
Missouri to Iowa moving FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Missouri to Iowa?
Between the two states' main cities, Saint Louis and Des Moines, the distance is about 319 miles. From our model that is $1,436 – $1,914 for a two-bedroom home and $1,651 – $2,201 for three bedrooms with full-service movers, transport only. A container you load yourself is about $1,034 – $1,378 for the two-bedroom home; a freight trailer about $689 – $919. Across the 8 city pairs we price between Missouri and Iowa, distances run from 209 to 397 miles, so use the table for your own cities.
How long does a move from Missouri to Iowa take?
Saint Louis to Des Moines is about 6 hours. The move itself typically takes 1 to 3 days, because at this distance it usually travels on a dedicated truck, because the corridor is too short to be worth consolidating. Get the delivery window in writing. Book ahead: 2 to 4 weeks, 4 to 6 in summer.
Do I need an interstate-licensed mover for Missouri to Iowa?
Yes. Any move that crosses from Missouri into Iowa is regulated by the FMCSA, and the carrier must hold active interstate operating authority (an MC number) as well as a USDOT number. Check both on the FMCSA register before you sign. Interstate carriers must give you a written estimate, the federal "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet, and access to an arbitration programme, and cannot demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate before releasing your goods.
What is the cheapest way to move from Missouri to Iowa?
Load a freight trailer yourself: about $689 – $919 for a two-bedroom home over 319 miles against $1,436 – $1,914 with full-service movers. A container splits the difference and gives you days to load. On any of them, moving between October and April, mid-month and mid-week, is worth another 20 to 30 percent — a peak-season date puts the three-bedroom figure at $2,064 – $2,751 rather than $1,651 – $2,201.