($1,173) Cost to Move From Lexington, KY to Des Moines, IA

1. Wildcat Moving LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
3. Vincent Fister Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
4. Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Lexington to Des Moines

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Lexington to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,173 and $3,764. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,293 to $5,665 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Lexington to Des Moines typically runs between $3,874 and $7,954.

Cost of moving containers from Lexington to Des Moines

When moving from Lexington to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $720 and $1,723. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,258 to $2,382. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,683 up to $3,120. 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 Kentucky.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Lexington to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck in Lexington is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. 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 $469 and $886. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $547 and $1,095. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $664 and $1,311.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 14% lower in Des Moines than in Lexington, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 38% lower in Des Moines than in Lexington.
• The average income in Des Moines and Lexington is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 39% less than in Lexington.
• You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Des Moines and Lexington, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 37% higher compared to Lexington, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 17% higher in Des Moines than in Lexington. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 10% higher in Iowa compared to Kentucky. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Des Moines’s population is about 118% greater than Lexington.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Lexington’s score of 4.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Lexington with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Lexington’s 90 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 Lexington, which has a score of 85.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Lexington with a score of 5.0 compared to Lexington’s 50.88. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Lexington with a safety index of 57.8 vs Lexington’s 49.12.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Lexington 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Iowa 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 Des Moines smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines 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, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks like 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 — 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 Drake Bulldogs game.