($1,507) Movers From San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA

What to know before moving from San Diego to Des Moines

• Rent prices in Des Moines are 60% lower than in San Diego.
• Home prices in Des Moines are 80.8% lower than in San Diego.
• Income in Des Moines is 19.8% lower than in San Diego.
• The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 43.5% lower than in San Diego.
• The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 43.3% lower than in San Diego.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 10.61% lower than in San Diego.
• Sales taxes in Des Moines are 9.68% lower than in San Diego.
• State income taxes in Des Moines are 66.92% lower than in San Diego.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,695.46 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How life is different in San Diego vs. Des Moines

• Des Moines's population is about 50% less than San Diego.
• Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus San Diego's lower score of 6.
• Des Moines is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 45 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
• Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100.
• Des Moines's crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 5.0 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
• Des Moines is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 57.8 vs San Diego's 60.17.
• Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. Des Moines move

• Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hartford of the West", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources