Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→OH movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Akron

Many movers find Akron easier on the wallet than Des Moines - roughly 18% less for singles and 6% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,543 for one person in Akron versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it's $4,120 compared with $4,380.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Des Moines	Akron
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$983
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$1,300
Average home value	$192,347	$121,327
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$61,971
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$1,543
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$4,120
Unemployment rate	5.9%	6.9%
Sales tax	7.0%	6.75%
State income tax	4.4%	3.5%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 17% less expensive in Akron than in Des Moines, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 37% cheaper in Akron than in Des Moines.
Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 6% greater in Akron than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Akron. The cost of living for a single person there is 18% below that of Des Moines.
A move to Akron can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 6% lower compared to Des Moines.
Akron has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 17%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Akron and Des Moines (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
Income taxes are 20% less in Ohio compared to Iowa, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Akron:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Akron
Basic utilities	$144.82	$287.77
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$41.20
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$4.80
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$3.10
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$60.00
Gym membership	$66.67	$43.33

Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Akron, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Akron.
Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Akron.
Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Akron.
The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Akron.
Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Akron.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Akron

	Des Moines	Akron
Population	699,292	190,469
Transportation score	5	5
Walkability score	45	48
Bike friendliness score	39	43
Crime index	5.0	5.0
Safety index	57.8	50.39
Air quality	Good	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Akron's population is about 73% less than Des Moines.
Akron's public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
Akron is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
With a score of 43 out of 100, Akron 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 it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Akron and Des Moines have a similar crime rate with scores of 5.0 and 5.0, respectively.
Akron is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 50.39 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
Air quality in Akron is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Akron move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Akron. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Akron

With your sights set on Rubber City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Akron.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Highland Square
Downtown Akron
Merriman Valley
North Hill
Wallhaven

Best neighborhoods for families

Northwest Akron
Merriman Valley
Fairlawn Heights
Wallhaven
Highland Square

Things to do in Akron

With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Akron. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Akron is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Akron Art Museum, Akron Children's Museum, and Nativity Museum and replica of Bethlehem's cave.
Outdoor recreation: The city's F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Portage Lakes State Park, Cascade Valley Park, and Springfield Lake Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Akron RubberDucks (Baseball-Eastern League)Akron Zips (MAC) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Akron. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.

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

Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Akron? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Akron take?

The 684-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Akron, OH, takes one to six 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 Akron.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.