Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Manchestertoggle

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 Manchester can be as low as $1,421 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,183.
  • 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 $1,000 to $2,436. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Manchester

Des Moines Manchester
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,004
Average home value $192,347 $410,329
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $67,132
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,449
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $5,256
Unemployment rate 5.9% 3.8%
Sales tax 7.0% 0.0%
State income tax 4.4% 4.0%
  • Rent prices in Manchester are 74% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Manchester are 113.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Manchester is 14.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Manchester is 29.5% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Manchester is 20.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Manchester is 35.59% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Manchester are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Manchester are 9.09% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,885.25 in Manchester 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. Manchester

Manchester Des Moines
Population 115,644 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 51 45
Bike friendliness score 42 39
Crime Index 56.09 5.0
Safety Index 43.91 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Manchester's population is about 83% less than Des Moines.
  • Manchester's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
  • Manchester is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 42 out of 100, Manchester 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.
  • Manchester's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 56.09 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Manchester is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 43.91 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Manchester is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

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

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Manchester, while January and February 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: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing movers that offer relocation services within the state. If youโ€™ve already moved and had a dispute with your moving company, they may be able to help resolve the issue, but youโ€™ll need to file a formal complaint first. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New Hampshire moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New Hampshire 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 Manchester. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for a cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your 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 Manchester

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

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Wilton
  • Bedford
  • Amherst
  • Merrimack
  • Milford
  • Hooksett
  • Brookline

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Bedford
  • Hollis
  • Amherst
  • Mont Vernon

Things to do in Manchestertoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Manchester is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Currier Museum of Art, Millyard Museum, Scouting Museum and Library, and Art 3 Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lake Massabesic, Livingston Park, and Pine Island 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 New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Eastern League), Saint Anselm Hawks (NE-10), or Southern New Hampshire Penmen (NE-10) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

The 1,338-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Manchester, NH, takes three 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 Manchester.

Helpful moving resources