Factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Montgomerytoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Montgomery might cost as little as $1,410, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,116.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Des Moines, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $781 to $1,826. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Montgomery

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

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

Des Moines Montgomery
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,200
Average home value $192,347 $140,563
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $49,989
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $1,651
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $3,569
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.8%
Sales tax 7.0% 10.0%
State income tax 4.4% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Montgomery are 4% higher than in Des Moines, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Montgomery.
    Home prices in Montgomery are 26.9% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Montgomery is 14.5% lower than in Des Moines, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Montgomery include Alfa, Colonial Banc Group, and Colonial National Bank.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Montgomery is 12.7% lower than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Montgomery is 18.5% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Montgomery is 1.69% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Montgomery, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Montgomery are 42.86% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Montgomery are 13.64% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,619.25 in Montgomery to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Montgomery

Montgomery Des Moines
Population 200,603 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 5
Walkability score 26 45
Bike friendliness score 33 39
Crime Index 65.25 5.0
Safety Index 34.75 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Montgomery's population is about 71% less than Des Moines.
  • Montgomery's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Montgomery is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Montgomery has a bike-friendliness score 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
  • Montgomery's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 65.25 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Montgomery is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 34.75 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Montgomery is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

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

  • Weather: Montgomery ith short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, humid summers. Severe storms also bring a risk of tornadoes.
  • 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Alabama 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 Montgomery. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Montgomery

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Cradle of the Confederacy", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Montgomery.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cloverdale/Idlewild
  • Old Cloverdale
  • EastChase
  • Entertainment District
  • Midtown

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Dalraida
  • Forest Park
  • Hillwood
  • McGehee Estates
  • Pike Road

Things to do in Montgomery

After settling into your new Alabama home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Montgomery has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Montgomery is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Civil Rights Memorial Center, Alabama Department of Archives and History, and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Riverfront Park, Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, Wright Brothers Park, and Alabama Bicentennial Park 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 Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Montgomery?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Montgomery. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Montgomery?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Montgomery, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Montgomery take?

The 936-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Montgomery.

Helpful moving resources