Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Los Angelestoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Los Angeles can be as low as $1,456 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,453.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,175 to $3,000. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles

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 person) $1,891 $1,319
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,770
Unemployment rate 5.9% 10.6%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.5%
State income tax 4.4% 13.3%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Los Angeles are 157% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Los Angeles are 1,131.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Los Angeles is 28.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 30.2% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 8.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 79.66% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Los Angeles are 35.71% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Los Angeles are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,092.54 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Los Angeles

Los Angeles Des Moines
Population 3,820,914 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 69 45
Bike friendliness score 59 39
Crime Index 53.81 5.0
Safety Index 46.19 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Los Angeles's population is about 446% greater than Des Moines.
  • Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Los Angeles is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 53.81 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 46.19 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Los Angeles move

  • Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
  • 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 contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California 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 Los Angeles. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Los Angeles

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Angels", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Echo Park
  • Los Feliz
  • Playa Del Rey
  • Silver Lake
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Brentwood
  • Eagle Rock
  • Mar Vista
  • Playa Vista
  • Studio City

Things to do in Los Angelestoggle

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Los Angeles has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Los Angeles is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Los Angeles is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Los Angeles take?

The 1,683-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA, takes four to 15 days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.

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