Best San Antonio to Des Moines Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Antonio to Des Moines and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,029 mile move from Texas to Iowa go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 24 San Antonio to Des Moines moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Antonio compared to Des Moines. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best San Antonio to Des Moines Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC9.589.71Authorized For HHG
2Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
3Little Guys Movers9.279.32Authorized For HHG
4Best Move Inc9.269.19Authorized For Property
5Move Logistics Inc.9.259.12Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from San Antonio to Des Moines?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,029 miles from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA will cost on average $2,656 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Antonio to Des Moines move is roughly $6,383. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,786300 ft³$5.95
1 Bedroom$2,656450 ft³$5.90
2 Bedrooms$4,390750 ft³$5.85
3 Bedrooms$6,3831100 ft³$5.80
4 Bedrooms$9,2051600 ft³$5.75
5+ Bedrooms$10,2651800 ft³$5.70
*Please note: These Texas to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Texas & Iowa. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed TX to IA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to San Antonio guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Antonio to Des Moines Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC Logo

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

Exceptional9.58/10
based on 1,963+ data points

4310 FM482 ste c

New Braunfels, TX, 78132

About New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC was established in 2014, after its founder and owner had acquired over 15 years of experience...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Statewide Moving
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2992735 / 1117672

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans0
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved35,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

Adamantine Spine Moving

Exceptional9.54/10
based on 898+ data points

2815 36th St

Des Moines, IA, 50310

About Adamantine Spine Moving

With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Little Guys Movers Logo

Little Guys Movers

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 829+ data points

222 Wonder World Dr

San Marcos, TX, 78666

About Little Guys Movers

Little Guys Movers is a franchised nationwide moving company operating in eight states, including Texas. It has a location in San...

Services

  • LONG DISTANCE MOVING
  • LOCAL MOVING
  • COMMERCIAL MOVING

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/7/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

880583 / 689082

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans52
Registered Drivers80
Total Annual Miles Moved667,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Best Move Inc Logo

Best Move Inc

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 471+ data points

Burlington, IA, 52601

About Best Move Inc

Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its...

Services

  • Material Packing
  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

749231 / 376435

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,976 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Move Logistics Inc. Logo

Move Logistics Inc.

Exceptional9.25/10
based on 1,229+ data points

10510 I-35 Frontage Rd

San Antonio, TX, 78233

About Move Logistics Inc.

This family-owned moving company was founded on the values of professionalism, service, and high standards. Move Logistics performs both residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Interstate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2295112 / 919701

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved54,850 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison

Whether you're relocating for a new job or simply in search of a change, getting to know your new city can be challenging. This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with Des Moines, IA, by drawing parallels to what you know and love about San Antonio, TX. We'll provide a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Antonio, TX & Des Moines, IA, pinpointing the Des Moines neighborhoods that mirror your San Antonio favorites, making the transition feel like a breeze.

San AntonioDes MoinesHow They're Similar
Alamo HeightsSouth of GrandHistoric homes, green spaces
Stone OakWaveland ParkFamily-friendly, great parks
The PearlEast VillageTrendy shops, vibrant nightlife
Leon ValleyBeaverdaleResidential with a strong community feel
Monte VistaDrakeHistoric charm, university vibe
DowntownDowntown Des MoinesUrban living, cultural attractions
Terrell HillsWaterburyUpscale, architecturally diverse
King WilliamSherman HillHistoric district, close-knit community
La CanteraJordan CreekUpscale shopping, dining options
HelotesUrbandaleQuiet, suburban feel

When you move from San Antonio to Des Moines, finding a neighborhood that feels like home is crucial. For example, if you've enjoyed the blend of historic charm and modern conveniences in Alamo Heights, South of Grand in Des Moines will likely appeal to you with its lovely historic homes and spacious greenery. Similarly, The Pearl's eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, dining, and cultural hotspots finds a counterpart in Des Moines's East Village, where the blend of old and new creates a vibrant, artsy atmosphere. Or, for those who love the family-oriented and outdoor-friendly vibe of Stone Oak, Waveland Park offers an array of parks and recreational opportunities, perfect for active families. By identifying neighborhoods that share similar characteristics, you can ease the transition and quickly feel at home in your new community.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Antonio to Des Moines

Moving can be a complex decision that requires weighing various factors carefully. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of both the good and the bad aspects of relocating from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA . By comparing the cons and pros in a visual format, we hope to provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about this life-changing move.

CONs
PROs
San Antonio, TX iconSan Antonio, TX
  • Hot summers
  • Lower walkability
  • Less green space
  • Larger population
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Milder summers
  • More walkable
  • More parks
  • Smaller community
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Fewer historic sites
  • Smaller food scene
  • Lesser events
San Antonio, TX iconSan Antonio, TX
  • Vibrant culture
  • Rich history
  • Diverse food scene
  • Year-round events

When considering the move from San Antonio to Des Moines, there's a lot to think about. San Antonio is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, highlighted by landmarks such as The Alamo and the bustling River Walk lined with exquisite dining options. In contrast, Des Moines offers a more serene lifestyle with access to numerous parks like Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and a smaller, yet close-knit community. While Des Moines might not have the same breadth of food and entertainment options, places like East Village offer unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The choice between these two cities ultimately depends on your priorities — whether it's the lively beat of a large city or the calm of a smaller town with room to breathe.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Food Guide

Food is a significant aspect of local culture and what living in an area is like. In this guide, we'll delve into the culinary experiences, providing a comparison of the local cuisine between San Antonio & Des Moines . This will help you get a taste of what to expect and where your next favorite meal might come from as you plan your move.

San Antonio
Des Moines
Most iconic local food item
Texas BBQ Brisket
Iowa Pork Tenderloin
Most popular meat dish
Carne Guisada
Smoked Pork Loin
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Most popular vegan food
Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad
Vegan Sweet Corn Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • The Granary
    • Mi Tierra Café y Panadería
    • Bliss
    • Smokey D's BBQ
    • Tursi's Latin King
    • Zombie Burger
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Antonio, the culinary landscape is rich with flavors reflecting its deep-rooted Hispanic heritage, with tacos being a ubiquitous delight found throughout the city, especially in vibrant neighborhoods like the Pearl District. In contrast, Des Moines showcases its agricultural prowess with dishes such as the Iowa Pork Tenderloin, celebrated in establishments like Smokey D's BBQ. This city's food scene is warmly embracing vegan options, with inventive dishes like Vegan Sweet Corn Soup popping up in menus. Both cities offer a unique taste of local culture, promising an exciting gastronomic journey as you settle into your new home.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between San Antonio, TX, and Des Moines, IA will guide you in discovering your next favorite eatery, drawing parallels from what you know and love.

San AntonioDes MoinesWhat You'll Love
Biga on the BanksTable 128Creative New American cuisine
CuredProofKnown for inventive dishes and quality meats
La PanaderíaLa Mie BakeryBoth celebrate the art of bread-making
BotikaAroi ThaiOffering vibrant Asian fusion options
2M SmokehouseSmoky D's BBQRenowned for smoked meats and homestyle sides
Rosario's Mexican Cafe Y CantinaEl Bait ShopKnown for a wide beer selection and hearty Mexican food
Pho Kim LongPho 515Authentic Vietnamese dishes that warm the soul
Hot JoyFong's PizzaAdventurous toppings in a playful setting
Mi Tierra Café y PanaderíaGusto Pizza Co.Unique flavors that bring people together
The LuxuryZombie Burger+Drink LabBoth offer a unique take on casual dining

Embarking on a culinary journey in a new city can be both exciting and comforting, especially when you find places reminiscent of your old favorites. For instance, if La Panadería held a special place in your heart for morning pastries and coffee in San Antonio, La Mie Bakery in Des Moines welcomes you with similar warmth and a passion for baked goods. Similarly, the leap from 2M Smokehouse's Texas-sized portions and flavors to Smoky D's BBQ in Des Moines is smaller than you'd think, with both spots priding themselves on their expertly smoked meats and friendly, casual atmospheres. It's finding these parallels that can turn the daunting task of settling into a new city into an adventure filled with delicious discoveries.

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San Antonio vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial element to consider when planning a move. Understanding how the housing market, from costs to community features, compares between San Antonio, TX, and Des Moines, IA is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to provide clarity on your potential new home.

San Antonio
Des Moines
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish Colonial
Craftsman
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Outdoor spaces, luxury kitchens
Energy efficiency, spacious yards

When comparing the real estate landscapes of San Antonio and Des Moines, several factors stand out. San Antonio's real estate market features homes with Spanish Colonial architecture, an aesthetic deeply rooted in the city's history. However, the median home price is slightly higher than in Des Moines, where Craftsman-style homes dominate the market, offering spacious yards and a focus on energy efficiency—a growing trend in home preferences. Moreover, Des Moines presents a more walkable and bikeable environment, which could be appealing if you prefer a lifestyle with less reliance on a car. While San Antonio offers a robust urban feel with its outdoor spaces and luxury kitchens, Des Moines counters with its slightly more appealing urban lifestyle score, reflecting its community-centric atmosphere.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA

1. Beaverdale: You’ll love the abundance of parks and walking trails that make it easy to keep your furry friends active and happy.

2. Ingersoll Park: With pet-friendly cafes and easy access to local dog parks, you and your pet can enjoy everything the community has to offer.

3. Waveland Park: You’re never far from open spaces and trails, making it convenient for daily walks and outdoor pet activities.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another means adapting to new environments, and weather plays a significant role in this transition. Understanding how the weather in San Antonio compares to Des Moines will help you prepare for the changes you'll face in your new home.

San Antonio
Des Moines
Days of Sunshine per Year
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☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Heatwaves, hurricanes
Tornadoes, severe snowstorms
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

94°F / 75°F
86°F / 65°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

62°F / 40°F
31°F / 14°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

32.9"
36."
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
33.8"


While both San Antonio and Des Moines enjoy a fair amount of sunshine throughout the year, the type and severity of natural disasters they experience differ significantly. Moving from San Antonio's heatwaves and occasional hurricanes to Des Moines' tornadoes and harsh snowstorms will require a considerable adjustment. Additionally, the significant difference in winter temperatures, with Des Moines experiencing much colder winters, means you'll have to prepare with proper clothing and perhaps adjust your home heating solutions. The variation in air quality and top seasonal allergies between these cities is also something to keep in mind as it may affect your daily comfort and health.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Antonio to Des Moines

If you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and general financial atmosphere between San Antonio and Des Moines will compare with what you're accustomed to. This understanding will help ensure a smoother transition and better financial planning.

San Antonio
Des Moines
Avg. Household Income
$54,923
$60,693
Cost of Living Index
95.7
90.9
State Income Tax
0% (Texas has no state income tax)
Up to 8.53%
Avg. Property Tax
1.94%
1.56%
Avg. Sales Tax
8.25%
7%
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Tourism, Aerospace/Defense
Insurance, Financial Services, Advanced Manufacturing
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Higher than average
Lower than average
Homelessness
Notable
Less prevalent

San Antonio offers a unique financial landscape with no state income tax, which can be particularly appealing if you're aiming to maximize your earnings. However, it does have a higher cost of living index and property taxes when compared to Des Moines. On the flip side, Des Moines boasts a lower cost of living and is notable for its affluence, attributed mainly to its robust insurance and financial services industries. Despite the appealing average household income in Des Moines, it's essential to consider the state's income tax, which could offset some financial benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for budgeting and lifestyle planning in your new city.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison

If you're planning a move from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA, understanding the comparison of the politics between San Antonio & Des Moines alongside the religious landscape can offer significant insights into the community you're about to join. This quick snapshot aims to provide a clearer picture of what to expect.

San Antonio
Des Moines
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Lean Democratic
Local Politics
Active participation in city and county level
High engagement in local elections and policies
Religion
Majority Christian, with a significant Catholic demographic Archdiocese of San Antonio
Primarily Christian, diverse denominations with a strong presence of Evangelical Protestants <a href="https://www.dmdiocese.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Diocese of Des Moines</a>

When moving from San Antonio to Des Moines, you'll find that both cities share a tendency to lean towards Democratic values in their political makeup, ensuring a somewhat familiar political environment. San Antonio shows a vibrant engagement in both city and county-level politics, a trait also mirrored in Des Moines, albeit with a unique focus on local elections and policy developments. Religion plays a central role in both cities; however, the primary denomination shifts from a strong Catholic presence in San Antonio to a more varied Christian demographic in Des Moines, including a notable number of Evangelical Protestants. This transition may influence your experience, offering new community engagements and perspectives.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA brings a variety of changes, especially when it comes to daily commutes. This guide aims to help you better understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities, ensuring a smoother transition.

San Antonio
Des Moines
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
24
19
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
3 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Challenging
More feasible

The transition from the bustling streets of San Antonio to the more laid-back atmosphere of Des Moines will be noticeable, especially during rush hour. San Antonio's average commute time is a few minutes longer than in Des Moines, highlighting the larger city's denser traffic scenarios. Although both cities offer public transportation options, your dependency on a car might change significantly. In San Antonio, getting by without a car can be challenging due to the city's sprawling nature and less frequent public transit services. On the other hand, Des Moines offers a slightly more compact urban environment, making it relatively easier for residents to rely on public transportation or even consider commuting by bike or on foot for shorter distances.

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