Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Madison 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 Madison to Des Moines can be as low as $1,154 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,058.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, 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 $361 to $884. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Madison to Des Moines

Madison Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,150
Average home value $367,934 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $62,919 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $2,292 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,457 $4,380
Unemployment rate 3.3% 5.9%
Sales tax 5.5% 7.0%
State income tax 7.65% 4.4%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 28% lower than in Madison.
  • Home prices in Des Moines are 47.7% lower than in Madison.
  • Income in Des Moines is 7.0% lower than in Madison.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 17.5% lower than in Madison.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 19.7% lower than in Madison.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 78.79% higher than in Madison.
  • Sales taxes in Des Moines are 27.27% higher than in Madison.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 42.48% lower than in Madison.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,475.13 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.

How life is different in Madison vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Madison
Population 699,292 269,840
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 45 50
Bike friendliness score 39 66
Crime Index 5.0 34.57
Safety Index 57.8 65.43
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Des Moines's population is about 159% greater than Madison.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Madison's lower score of 6.
  • Des Moines is less walkable than Madison with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
  • Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 5.0 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 57.8 vs Madison's 65.43.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Madison it's good.

Other things to consider for your Madison 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: 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Iowa 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 Des Moines. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hartford of the West", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Sherman Hill
  • Downtown
  • East Village
  • North of Grand
  • Woodland Heights
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Chautauqua Park
  • Beaverdale
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Des Moinestoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 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 Drake Bulldogs game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Madison 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 Madison.

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

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

The 288-mile move from Madison, WI, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some Madison 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

Madison moving services

Popular Wisconsin routes

Popular moving resources