($1,239) Cost to Move From San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA

1. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Grizzly Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
4. Dominant Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Des Moines

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from San Diego, you can expect prices to land between $1,239 and $5,029. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,121 to $7,289 for the trip from San Diego to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,744 and $10,358.

Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Des Moines

Moving containers from San Diego to Des Moines will cost you $1,004 to $2,660 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,848 to $3,890. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,445 to $4,910. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck from San Diego 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 $1,040 and $1,921 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,081 to $2,355. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,335 to $2,881.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• When relocating from San Diego to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 60% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
• You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 81% more affordable in Des Moines compared to San Diego.
• Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 20% lower in Des Moines compared to San Diego.
• You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 43% lower compared to San Diego.
• A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 43% less than what it costs in San Diego.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is about 11% lower than in San Diego. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
• Sales taxes are 10% less in Des Moines relative to San Diego. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
• Income taxes in Iowa are 67% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.

• Des Moines’s population is about 50% less than San Diego.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than San Diego’s score of 6.
• Des Moines is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 45 out of 100 vs San Diego’s 53 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 San Diego, which has a score of 43.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 5.0 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
• Des Moines and San Diego have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 60.17.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

• 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.