Rochester, MN → Des Moines, IA · Regional long-distance move
About 210 road miles heading south. Typical two-bedroom cost $2,290–$3,410, delivery in 1–2 days, 116 carriers on the Rochester side and 191 in Des Moines.
Des Moines sits about 210 miles south of Rochester, which makes this an interstate relocation from Minnesota to Iowa that most movers classify as a regional long-distance move.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $2,290 to $3,410 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 2 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 4 h 19 min.
On the Rochester side there are 116 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (72 of them authorized for interstate work), and 191 around Des Moines (116 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Des Moines.
Rochester has a population of about 124,292 and Des Moines about 212,086. The two cities have comparable density (2,187 and 2,428 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends. Labor and living costs run lower in Iowa than in Minnesota, which tends to make destination-side services such as unpacking or storage cheaper than the same services back home.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,210 | $1,470 | $1,790 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,370 | $1,680 | $2,040 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $2,290 | $2,790 | $3,410 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $3,660 | $4,470 | $5,450 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $5,040 | $6,140 | $7,490 |
$370–$520
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,210–$1,780
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$2,290–$3,410
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Rochester, MN → Des Moines, IA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Bennett Moving LLC
Legal name: Mesenburg Enterprises INC
Legal name: Channel One INC
Legal name: Standard Forwarding LLC
Legal name: Jacobson Transportation Company INC
Legal name: Nationwide Truck Brokers INC
Legal name: Arona Corporation
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,210 to $1,790 for a studio, $1,370 to $2,040 for a one-bedroom, $2,290 to $3,410 for a two-bedroom, $3,660 to $5,450 for a three-bedroom and $5,040 to $7,490 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 210 road miles (178 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 4 h 19 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 2 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Minnesota into Iowa makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $370 to $520 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,210 to $1,780. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Rochester–Des Moines corridor.