($1,130) Cost to Move From Washington DC, MD to Des Moines, IA

1. Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
2. Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. Artisan Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
5. BoxStar Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Washington DC to Des Moines

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Des Moines will cost between $1,130 and $4,647. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Washington DC to Washington DC will range from $2,322 to $5,691, and a large move from Washington DC to Des Moines will cost from $4,166 to $7,688.

Cost of moving containers from Washington DC to Des Moines

If you’re moving from Washington DC to Des Moines, expect to pay between $866 and $1,971 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,524 up to $3,092. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,896 and $3,952. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Maryland.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck from Washington DC to Des Moines is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $654 and $1,304. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $692 and $1,504. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $905 up to $1,706 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• If you’re heading to Des Moines from Washington DC, you’ll find that rent is roughly 52% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
• Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 68% less in Des Moines than in Washington DC.
• Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 42% lower in Des Moines compared to Washington DC.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 52% lower than in Washington DC.
• Choosing to move to Des Moines can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 61% less than in Washington DC.
• Des Moines enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 16% lower compared to Washington DC, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
• Sales taxes rise by 17% in Des Moines over Washington DC, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
• Income taxes are 23% less in Iowa than in Maryland. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.

• Des Moines’s population is within about 5% of Washington DC, so they’re very similar in size.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC’s score of 9.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Washington DC’s 77 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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 5.0 compared to Washington DC’s 60.37. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 57.8 vs Washington DC’s 39.63.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Washington DC it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• 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 they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Iowa doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Des Moines. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in Iowa, it’s time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Drake Bulldogs game.