Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from San Jose to Des Moines
What to know before moving from San Jose to Des Moines
Moving from San Jose to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Jose than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Jose compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Jose | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,095 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $1,453,657 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,674 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,354 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.38% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 63% lower than in San Jose, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 86.8% lower than in San Jose. - Income in Des Moines is 29.9% lower than in San Jose, 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 48.5% lower than in San Jose. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 47.6% lower than in San Jose.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 10.61% lower than in San Jose.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 25.37% lower than in San Jose.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.92% lower than in San Jose.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,544.09 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 971,233 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 62 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 47.73 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 52.27 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Des Moines's population is about 28% less than San Jose.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus San Jose's higher score of 7.
- Des Moines is less walkable than San Jose with a score of 45 out of 100 vs San Jose's 51 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Jose, which has a score of 62 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than San Jose with a score of 5.0 compared to San Jose's 47.73. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than San Jose with a safety index of 57.8 vs San Jose's 52.27.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in San Jose it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Jose 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 theyโve 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.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
Things to do in Des Moines
Now that you've made the move to Iowa, itโs the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Des Moines?
The best time to move from San Jose to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Jose.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from San Jose to Des Moines 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 San Jose to Des Moines take?
The 1,831-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Des Moines, IA, takes five to 16 days. Some San Jose movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
