($1,545) Movers From Lancaster, CA to Des Moines, IA

What to know before moving from Lancaster to Des Moines

Moving from Lancaster to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Lancaster than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Lancaster compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Des Moines are 56% lower than in Lancaster, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
  Home prices in Des Moines are 59.3% lower than in Lancaster.
• Income in Des Moines is 21.7% lower than in Lancaster, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
• The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 25.6% lower than in Lancaster. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 21.3% lower than in Lancaster.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 62.18% lower than in Lancaster.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city’s sales taxes in Des Moines are 31.71% lower than in Lancaster.
• One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.92% lower than in Lancaster.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,233.46 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.

How life is different in Lancaster vs. Des Moines

• Des Moines's population is about 303% greater than Lancaster.
• Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Lancaster's lower score of 0.
• Des Moines is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Lancaster's 29 out of 100.
• Both Des Moines and Lancaster have the same bike-friendliness score of 40 out of 100, meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as Lancaster. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Lancaster with a score of 5.0 compared to Lancaster's 45.5. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
• Des Moines and Lancaster are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Lancaster it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lancaster vs. Des Moines move

• Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
• 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hartford of the West", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources