Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Sacramentotoggle

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 Sacramento can be as low as $1,489 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,454.
  • 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 $1,213 to $2,976. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Sacramento

Des Moines Sacramento
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,899
Average home value $192,347 $476,699
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $78,954
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,656
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $6,191
Unemployment rate 5.9% 7.7%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.75%
State income tax 4.4% 13.3%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Sacramento are 65% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Sacramento are 147.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Sacramento is 35.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Sacramento is 40.5% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Sacramento is 41.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 30.51% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Sacramento are 25.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Sacramento are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,213.64 in Sacramento 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. Sacramento

Sacramento Des Moines
Population 524,943 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 49 45
Bike friendliness score 67 39
Crime Index 49.21 5.0
Safety Index 50.79 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Sacramento's population is about 25% less than Des Moines.
  • Sacramento's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Sacramento is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 67 out of 100, Sacramento 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.
  • Sacramento's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 49.21 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Sacramento is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 50.79 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Sacramento is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Sacramento move

  • Weather: Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.
  • 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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Almond Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Sacramento.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Downtown Sacramento
  • East Sacramento
  • Land Park
  • Natomas Park
  • North Oak Park

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Boulevard Park
  • River Park
  • Land Park
  • Village 7
  • East Sacramento
  • Natomas Park

Things to do in Sacramentotoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Sacramento is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento, and California Automobile Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sutterโ€™s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley 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 Sacramento Kings (NBA), Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship), or Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Sacramento?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Sacramento 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 Sacramento take?

The 1,712-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento.

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