Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→NJ movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Jersey City

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Jersey City runs about 133% higher for singles and 125% higher for families than Des Moines.

Singles spend around $4,397 in Jersey City versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $9,861 compared with $4,380.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Des Moines	Jersey City
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$3,306
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$5,833
Average home value	$192,347	$589,419
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$75,265
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$4,397
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$9,861
Unemployment rate	5.9%	8.3%
Sales tax	7.0%	6.63%
State income tax	4.4%	10.7%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Planning a move to Jersey City? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 159% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Jersey City are about 206% higher than those in Des Moines.
Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 29% higher in Jersey City compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Jersey City, as living costs for a single person are 133% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
If you're moving your family to Jersey City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jersey City is 125% higher than in Des Moines.
Jersey City shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 41%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
Sales taxes hold steady between Jersey City and Des Moines (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
Income taxes in New Jersey are 143% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Jersey City:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Jersey City
Basic utilities	$144.82	$118.73
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$41.88
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$4.71
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$3.97
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$100.00
Gym membership	$66.67	$80.00

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Des Moines than in Jersey City.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Jersey City

	Des Moines	Jersey City
Population	699,292	292,449
Transportation score	5	9
Walkability score	45	87
Bike friendliness score	39	64
Crime index	5.0	43.21
Safety index	57.8	56.79
Air quality	Good	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Jersey City's population is about 58% less than Des Moines.
Jersey City's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
Jersey City is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 87 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
With a score of 64 out of 100, Jersey City 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.
Jersey City's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 43.21 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
Jersey City and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 56.79 and 57.8.
Air quality in Jersey City is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Jersey City move

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: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: New Jersey’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: New Jersey 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 Jersey City. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Jersey City

Planning your move to J.C.? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Jersey City.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Journal Square
Mcginley Square
The Heights
The Waterfront
Liberty Park
Downtown

Best neighborhoods for families

Greenville
Mcginley Square
West Side
Hackensack Waterfront
Grove Street
Downtown

Things to do in Jersey City

After settling into your new New Jersey home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Jersey City has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Jersey City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Liberty Science Center, Mana Contemporary, 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace, and Novado Gallery.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Liberty State Park, Liberty Landing Marina, J. Owen Grundy Park, and Lincoln Park — 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 Saint Peter’s Peacocks (MAAC) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Jersey City?

Planning your move from Des Moines to Jersey City? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Jersey City?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Jersey City in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Jersey City take?

The 1,105-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jersey City.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.