($1,171) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL

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 Jacksonville

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Jacksonville, you can expect to spend between $1,171 and $5,044. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,660 to $6,470 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Jacksonville typically runs between $4,489 and $8,785.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Jacksonville

When moving from Des Moines to Jacksonville, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $941 and $2,218. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,605 to $3,388. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,284 up to $4,233. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Jacksonville

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Jacksonville. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $748 and $1,444. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $867 and $1,821. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,070 and $2,136.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Jacksonville, note that rent can be roughly 32% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 50% higher in Jacksonville than in Des Moines.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 10% higher in Jacksonville compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Jacksonville, since the cost of living for a single person is 43% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Jacksonville, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Jacksonville is 51% more than it is in Des Moines.
• Jacksonville experiences an unemployment rate that is about 17% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 7% higher in Jacksonville than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Jacksonville’s population is about 39% greater than Des Moines.
• Jacksonville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Jacksonville is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• Both Jacksonville and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 41), meaning Jacksonville is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Jacksonville’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 56.38 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Jacksonville is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 43.62 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Jacksonville is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Florida doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Jacksonville smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Riverside
• Brooklyn
• Baymeadows
• Secret Cove
• South Riverside
• Windy Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beacon Hills & Harbour
• Deercreek
• Oceanway
• Orange Park
• Ortega Forest
• Sandalwood

Things to do in Jacksonville

After getting comfortable in your new Florida home, it’s time to see what Jacksonville is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Jacksonville offers cultural landmarks like the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.