Best overall value
Local moving companies in Gainesville
- Stewart Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- MoveBright Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Baymeadows Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 1355
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1194537
Alternate Names: Academy Moving & Storage Inc., Arpin of Jacksonville
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 3252
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3379394
Alternate Names: Blunt Enterprise, Inc., Move Bright Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 469
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 1040023
Alternate Names: Baymeadows Movers, Mandarin Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 077949
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 110502
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1531
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Golden Moving Systems, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Factors influencing moving costs from Gainesville to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Gainesville to Des Moines
Moving from Gainesville to Des Moines comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Des Moines is generally more expensive than Gainesville, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Gainesville | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $288,002 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,013 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,727 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,491 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 28% lower than in Gainesville, 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 33.2% lower than in Gainesville. - Income is the same in Des Moines and Gainesville.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Des Moines, since the cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 9.5% higher than in Gainesville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 25.5% higher than in Gainesville.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 34.09% higher than in Gainesville.
- Sales taxes are the same in Des Moines and Gainesville.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 4.40% higher than in Gainesville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,284.89 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Gainesville.
How life is different in Gainesville vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 141,085 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 69 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 8.0 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 52.61 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Des Moines is about 396% greater than Gainesville, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Des Moines without a car might be more difficult than in Gainesville. Des Moines has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Gainesville is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Living in Des Moines means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Gainesville. Des Moines is considered more walkable than Gainesville, with a score of 45 out of 100 versus 37 out of 100 in Gainesville. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Des Moines, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Gainesville. While Gainesville has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, Des Moines earned a 39. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Des Moines as Gainesville. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Des Moines than in Gainesville, based on Des Moines's safety index of 57.8 versus 52.61 for Gainesville. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Des Moines and Gainesville is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Gainesville 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome 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 theyโve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Iowa, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Beaverdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
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 โ there's plenty to check out:
- 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, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Gainesville to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Gainesville. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Gainesville 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 Gainesville to Des Moines take?
Moving from Gainesville, FL to Des Moines, IA covers 1,234 miles and usually takes two to eight days Need to move faster? Some Gainesville movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
