Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Scottsdaletoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Scottsdale can be as low as $1,410 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,691.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $999 to $2,692. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Scottsdale

Des Moines Scottsdale
Average rent cost $1,150 $3,300
Average home value $192,347 $827,308
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $64,533
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $5,753
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,570
Unemployment rate 5.9% 4.7%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.05%
State income tax 4.4% 2.5%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Scottsdale are 187% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Scottsdale are 330.1% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Scottsdale is 10.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 204.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 4.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 20.34% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Scottsdale are 15.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Scottsdale are 43.18% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,126.92 in Scottsdale 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. Scottsdale

Scottsdale Des Moines
Population 241,361 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 32 45
Bike friendliness score 56 39
Crime Index 25.8 5.0
Safety Index 74.2 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Scottsdale's population is about 65% less than Des Moines.
  • Scottsdale's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
  • Scottsdale is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 56 out of 100, Scottsdale 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.
  • Scottsdale's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 25.8 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Scottsdale is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 74.2 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Scottsdale is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Scottsdale 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 โ€œunregulatedโ€ 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 Scottsdale. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”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 Scottsdale

Now that you've decided to make the move to "West's Most Western Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Scottsdale.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Old Town Scottsdale
  • Gainey Ranch
  • Kierland
  • Shea Corridor
  • South Scottsdale

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • McCormick Ranch
  • DC Ranch
  • Grayhawk
  • Troon North
  • South Scottsdale

Things to do in Scottsdaletoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Scottsdale is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, Wonderspaces Arizona, and Main Street Arts District.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden 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 Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Des Moines to Scottsdale is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

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

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Scottsdale 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 Des Moines to Scottsdale take?

The 1,388-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Scottsdale, AZ, takes three to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Scottsdale.

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