Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Kansas Citytoggle

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 Kansas City can be as low as $879 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,274.
  • 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 $270 to $550. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Kansas City

Des Moines Kansas City
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,300
Average home value $192,347 $233,378
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $64,551
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $1,123
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $3,986
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.4%
State income tax 4.4% 4.8%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Kansas City are 13% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Kansas City are 21.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Kansas City is 10.4% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Kansas City is 40.6% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Kansas City is 9.0% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Kansas City is 10.17% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Kansas City are 20.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Kansas City are 9.09% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,781.60 in Kansas City 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. Kansas City

Kansas City Des Moines
Population 508,090 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 35 45
Bike friendliness score 35 39
Crime Index 58.4 5.0
Safety Index 42.6 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Kansas City's population is about 27% less than Des Moines.
  • Kansas City's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
  • Kansas City is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Kansas City has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
  • Kansas City's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 58.4 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Kansas City is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 42.6 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Kansas City is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Kansas City move

  • Weather: Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
  • 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: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Missouri moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Missouri 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 Kansas City. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Kansas City

Now that you've decided to make the move to "KC", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Kansas City.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • River Market
  • Union Hill
  • Volker
  • West Plaza
  • West Waldo

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Armour Hills
  • Brookside
  • Sunset Hill
  • Volker
  • Waldo

Things to do in Kansas Citytoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Kansas City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, National World War I Museum and Memorial, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and Union Station.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, Loose Park, Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, and Line Creek Trail 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 Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), Sporting Kansas City (MLS), or Sporting Kansas City II (MLS Next Pro) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Kansas City?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Kansas City 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 Kansas City?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Kansas City 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 Kansas City take?

The 193-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Kansas City, MO, takes one to two 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 Kansas City.

Helpful moving resources

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