($1,244) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Richmond, VA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Richmond

When planning a move to Richmond from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,244 and $4,696. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,527 and $5,930 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,219 to $7,980.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Richmond

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Richmond, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $832 and $1,989. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,567 and $2,917. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,180 to $4,174. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Richmond

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Richmond is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $738 to $1,391. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $760 to $1,590, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Richmond costs around $965 to $1,994.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 39% more expensive in Richmond than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 82% steeper in Richmond compared to Des Moines.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Richmond and Des Moines are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Richmond, with the cost of living for a single person being 20% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Richmond, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 22% higher than in Des Moines.
• Richmond has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 20%. 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 14% cheaper in Richmond compared to Des Moines. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 31% more in Virginia than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Richmond’s population is about 68% less than Des Moines.
• Richmond’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Richmond is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 51 out of 100, Richmond 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.
• Richmond’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.45 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Richmond is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 51.55 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Richmond is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Richmond are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Virginia, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Virginia, 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 Richmond. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Monroe Ward
• The Fan District
• The Museum District
• Woodland Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bellevue
• Byrd Park
• Museum District
• Three Chopt
• Westover Hills

Things to do in Richmond

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

• Arts and culture: Richmond is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, and Edgar Allan Poe Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square 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 Richmond Kickers (USL League One)Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.