($1,139) Cost to Move From Harrisburg, PA to Des Moines, IA

1. Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. Spirit Moving Company LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
3. The Armstrong Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Keystone Moving and Junk Removal: 4.28 out of 5 stars
5. Maya’s Movers LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Harrisburg to Des Moines

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Harrisburg, you can expect prices to land between $1,139 and $4,475. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,444 to $5,542 for the trip from Harrisburg to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,906 and $7,758.

Cost of moving containers from Harrisburg to Des Moines

Moving containers from Harrisburg to Des Moines will cost you $841 to $1,970 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,481 to $2,826. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,917 to $3,830. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Pennsylvania.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Harrisburg to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck from Harrisburg to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $642 and $1,192 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $708 to $1,476. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $913 to $1,672.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Moving to Des Moines from Harrisburg won’t change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
• You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 16% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Harrisburg.
• Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 20% lower in Des Moines compared to Harrisburg.
• Since the cost of living for a single person in both Des Moines and Harrisburg is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
• If you’re moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 21% higher than in Harrisburg.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is about 56% lower than in Harrisburg. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
• Sales taxes in Des Moines are 17% more than in Harrisburg, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
• Income taxes in Iowa are 43% above those in Pennsylvania. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

• Des Moines’s population is about 1296% greater than Harrisburg.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Harrisburg’s score of 6.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Harrisburg’s 68 out of 100.
• Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Harrisburg, which has a score of 57.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 5.0 compared to Harrisburg’s 64.18. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 57.8 vs Harrisburg’s 35.82.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Harrisburg it’s Moderate.

• 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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 they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Des Moines

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

• 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, and Salisbury House.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.