($1,196) Cost to Move From Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Acadiana Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
4. A & L Movers: 4.36 out of 5 stars
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Lafayette to Des Moines

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Lafayette, you can expect prices to land between $1,196 and $4,390. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,495 to $6,026 for the trip from Lafayette to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,964 and $8,072.

Cost of moving containers from Lafayette to Des Moines

Moving containers from Lafayette to Des Moines will cost you $769 to $2,029 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,481 to $2,940. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,937 to $3,937. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Lafayette to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck from Lafayette 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 $630 and $1,145 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $687 to $1,489. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $862 to $1,689.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• When relocating from Lafayette to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 59% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
• You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 10% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Lafayette.
• In terms of average income, Des Moines and Lafayette are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
• Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Des Moines, as living costs for a single person are 6% higher than in Lafayette. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
• The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Lafayette, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
• With Des Moines and Lafayette having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
• Sales taxes are 26% less in Des Moines relative to Lafayette. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
• Income taxes have a close resemblance in Iowa and Louisiana, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.

• Des Moines’s population is about 476% greater than Lafayette.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Lafayette’s score of 3.
• Des Moines is more walkable than Lafayette with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Lafayette’s 42 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 Lafayette, which has a score of 47.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Lafayette with a score of 5.0 compared to Lafayette’s 45.75. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Lafayette with a safety index of 57.8 vs Lafayette’s 54.25.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Lafayette it’s Good.

• 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.