($1,484) Movers From Des Moines, IA to Mesa, AZ

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Mesa

Moving from Des Moines to Mesa comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Mesa is generally more expensive than Des Moines, 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:

• Rent prices in Mesa are 55% higher than in Des Moines, which means you’ll have less 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 Mesa are 125.1% higher than in Des Moines.
• Income in Mesa is 10.3% higher than in Des Moines, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Mesa include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Mesa, since the cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 27.8% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Mesa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Mesa is 27.1% higher than in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Mesa is 3.39% higher than in Des Moines.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the city’s sales taxes in Mesa are 18.57% higher than in Des Moines.
• One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 43.18% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,832.89 in Mesa 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. Mesa

• Mesa's population is about 28% less than Des Moines.
• Mesa's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
• Mesa is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Mesa's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 44.67 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Mesa and Des Moines are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Mesa is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

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

• Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
• 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Arizona 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 Mesa. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Mesa

Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Mesa.

Helpful moving resources