Factors influencing moving costs from McKinney to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of McKinney 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 McKinney to Des Moines can be as low as $1,330 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,972.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in McKinney, 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 $605 to $1,378. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from McKinney to Des Moines

Moving from McKinney to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in McKinney than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how McKinney compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:

McKinney Des Moines
Average rent cost $2,300 $1,150
Average home value $506,597 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $66,248 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $2,232 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,876 $4,380
Unemployment rate 6.0% 5.9%
Sales tax 8.25% 7.0%
State income tax 0.0% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 50% lower than in McKinney, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
    Home prices in Des Moines are 62.0% lower than in McKinney.
  • Income in Des Moines is 11.7% lower than in McKinney, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 15.3% lower than in McKinney. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 10.2% lower than in McKinney.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 1.67% lower than in McKinney.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Des Moines are 15.15% lower than in McKinney.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 4.40% higher than in McKinney.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,541.67 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in McKinney.

How life is different in McKinney vs. Des Moines

Des Moines McKinney
Population 699,292 195,308
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 1
Walkability score 45 27
Bike friendliness score 39 42
Crime Index 5.0 21.48
Safety Index 57.8 78.52
Air Quality Good Good
  • Des Moines's population is about 258% greater than McKinney.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus McKinney's lower score of 1.
  • Des Moines is more walkable than McKinney with a score of 45 out of 100 vs McKinney's 27 out of 100.
  • Both Des Moines and McKinney have the same bike-friendliness score of 42 out of 100, meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as McKinney. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than McKinney with a score of 5.0 compared to McKinney's 21.48. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McKinney neighborhoods are safer than 21.48%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be less safe than McKinney with a score of 57.8 vs McKinney's 78.52.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in McKinney it's good.

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

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Iowa doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Des Moines

With your sights set on "Hartford of the West", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Sherman Hill
  • East Village
  • North of Grand
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Beaverdale

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Linden Heights
  • Waveland Park
  • Westwood
  • Salisbury Oaks
  • Meredith

Things to do in Des Moines

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Iowa, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from McKinney to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in McKinney.

When is the cheapest time to move from McKinney to Des Moines?

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

The 665-mile move from McKinney, TX, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to six days. Some McKinney movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources