Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Fresnotoggle

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 Fresno can be as low as $1,453 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,669.
  • 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 $1,247 to $3,256. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Fresno

Des Moines Fresno
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,650
Average home value $192,347 $381,180
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $63,001
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,277
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $5,358
Unemployment rate 5.9% 7.09%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.98%
State income tax 4.4% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Fresno are 44% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Fresno are 98.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Fresno is 7.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Fresno is 20.4% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fresno is 22.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Fresno is 20.17% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Fresno are 14.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Fresno are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,612.37 in Fresno 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. Fresno

Fresno Des Moines
Population 542,107 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 47 45
Bike friendliness score 58 39
Crime Index 56.85 5.0
Safety Index 43.15 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Fresno's population is about 22% less than Des Moines.
  • Fresno's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
  • Fresno is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 58 out of 100, Fresno 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.
  • Fresno's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 56.85 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Fresno neighborhoods are safer than 56.85% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Fresno is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 43.15 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Fresno is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

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

  • Weather: Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.
  • 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 contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California 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 Fresno. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Fresno

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

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Tower District
  • Mural District
  • Mclane
  • Central Fresno

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Woodrow Park
  • Fig Garden
  • Mclane
  • Sunnyside

Things to do in Fresnotoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Fresno is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Meux Home Museum, Fresno Discovery Center, Fresno Art Museum, Legion of Valor Museum, and Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Woodward Regional Park, Oso de Oro Park, and Inspiration 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 Fresno Grizzlies (Low-A West) and Fresno Monsters (Premier Hockey League) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Des Moines to Fresno 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 Fresno?

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

The 1,808-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Fresno, CA, takes five to 16 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 Fresno.

Helpful moving resources