Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to New York 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 New York City can be as low as $1,455 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,489.
  • 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 $898 to $2,221. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to New York City

Des Moines New York City
Average rent cost $1,150 $4,340
Average home value $192,347 $752,778
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $78,058
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $1,691
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $6,264
Unemployment rate 5.9% 11.2%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.0%
State income tax 4.4% 10.9%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in New York City are 277% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in New York City are 291.4% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in New York City is 33.5% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in New York City is 10.6% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in New York City is 43.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in New York City is 89.83% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in New York City are 14.29% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in New York City are 147.73% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,682.71 in New York 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. New York City

New York City Des Moines
Population 8,258,035 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 5
Walkability score 88 45
Bike friendliness score 69 39
Crime Index 50.83 5.0
Safety Index 49.17 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • New York City's population is about 1,081% greater than Des Moines.
  • New York City's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • New York City is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 69 out of 100, New York City 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.
  • New York City's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 50.83 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • New York City is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 49.17 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in New York City is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

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

  • Weather: New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26ยฐF to 87ยฐF. Temps are rarely below 10ยฐF or above 95ยฐF.
  • 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New York 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 New York City. 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. 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 New York City

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big Apple", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in New York City.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Astoria, Queens
  • Lower East Side, Manhattan
  • Murray Hill, Manhattan
  • Upper East Side, Manhattan
  • Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Battery Park City, Manhattan
  • Forest Hills, Queens
  • Great Kills, Staten Island
  • Park Slope, Brooklyn
  • Riverdale, Bronx

Things to do in New York Citytoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: New York City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, New York Public Library, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square 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 Brooklyn Nets (NBA), Long Island Nets (NBA G League), New York City FC (MLS), or New York Giants (NFL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Des Moines to New York 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 New York City?

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

The 1,107-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to New York City, NY, 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 New York City.

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