Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Atlanta to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Atlanta to Des Moines
Moving from Atlanta 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 Atlanta than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Atlanta compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Atlanta | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,900 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $388,167 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,107 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,822 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.9% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 40% lower than in Atlanta, 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 50.4% lower than in Atlanta. - Income in Des Moines is 11.5% lower than in Atlanta, 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 39.7% lower than in Atlanta. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 44.0% lower than in Atlanta.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 1.67% lower than in Atlanta.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 21.35% lower than in Atlanta.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 19.85% lower than in Atlanta.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,810.15 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Atlanta.
How life is different in Atlanta vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 498,715 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 64.23 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 35.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Des Moines's population is about 40% greater than Atlanta.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Atlanta's higher score of 8.
- Des Moines and Atlanta are similarily walkable.
- Both Des Moines and Atlanta have the same bike-friendliness score of 42 out of 100, meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as Atlanta. 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 Atlanta with a score of 5.0 compared to Atlanta's 64.23. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Atlanta with a safety index of 57.8 vs Atlanta's 35.77.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Atlanta it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Atlanta 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
- Downtown
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Atlanta 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 Atlanta.
When is the cheapest time to move from Atlanta to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Atlanta 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 Atlanta to Des Moines take?
The 894-mile move from Atlanta, GA, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to seven days. Some Atlanta movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
