Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Winston-Salemtoggle

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 Winston-Salem can be as low as $1,517 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,970.
  • 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 $780 to $1,920. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Winston-Salem

Des Moines Winston-Salem
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,300
Average home value $192,347 $248,806
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $62,431
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $930
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $3,005
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.2%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.4% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Winston-Salem are 13% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Winston-Salem are 29.4% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Winston-Salem is 6.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Winston-Salem is 50.8% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Winston-Salem is 31.4% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem is 11.86% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Winston-Salem and Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Winston-Salem are 2.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,475.41 in Winston-Salem 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. Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Des Moines
Population 249,545 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 22 45
Bike friendliness score 29 39
Crime Index 32.67 5.0
Safety Index 67.33 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Winston-Salem's population is about 64% less than Des Moines.
  • Winston-Salem's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
  • Winston-Salem is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 22 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Winston-Salem has a bike-friendliness score 29 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.
  • Winston-Salem's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 32.67 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Winston-Salem is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 67.33 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Winston-Salem is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Winston-Salem move

  • Weather: Climate in Winston-Salem is unlikely to affect your move but a freezing day in the winter could affect the conditions of the roads.
  • 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Winston-Salem

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Camel City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Winston-Salem.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • West End
  • Ardmore
  • Buena Vista
  • Old Salem
  • Washington Park

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Sherwood Forest
  • Ardmore
  • Buena Vista
  • West Highlands
  • West Salem

Things to do in Winston-Salemtoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Winston-Salem is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, Kaleideum North, and Reynolda House Museum of American Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO 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 Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA), Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East), Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL), or Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem take?

The 1,003-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Winston-Salem, NC, takes two to eight 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 Winston-Salem.

Helpful moving resources