Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to San Bernardino move
What to know before moving from Des Moines to San Bernardino
Moving from Des Moines to San Bernardino comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Bernardino is generally more expensive than Des Moines, itโs 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:
| Des Moines | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $1,950 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $481,419 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $55,372 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,891 | $2,054 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,380 | $4,469 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Bernardino are 70% higher than in Des Moines, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in San Bernardino are 150.3% higher than in Des Moines. - Income in San Bernardino is 5.3% lower than in Des Moines, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in San Bernardino include Stater Bros. Markets, Moss Bros., and EMQ Children & Family Services.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Bernardino, since the cost of living for a single person in San Bernardino is 8.6% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to San Bernardino, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Bernardino is 2.0% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in San Bernardino is 79.66% higher than in Des Moines.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Bernardino, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Bernardino are 25.00% higher than in Des Moines.
- State income taxes in San Bernardino are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,258.59 in San Bernardino 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. San Bernardino
| San Bernardino | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,101 | 699,292 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 39 |
| Crime Index | 73.87 | 5.0 |
| Safety Index | 26.13 | 57.8 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- San Bernardino might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 68% less than Des Moines.
- San Bernardino offers better access to buses and trains than Des Moines, based on public transportation ratings. San Bernardino has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 5 in Des Moines. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find San Bernardino to be about as walkable as Des Moines. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 45 and 45 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, San Bernardino is considered more bike-friendly than Des Moines in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Bernardino has a bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, while Des Moines is rated as 39 out of 100.
- The crime rate in San Bernardino is higher than in Des Moines, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 73.87 in San Bernardino, it is 5.0 in Des Moines. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in San Bernardino. With a crime index of 26.13, San Bernardino ranks lower in overall safety than Des Moines, whose index is Des Moines's 57.8. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in San Bernardino isnโt as good as it is in Des Moines, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Bernardino has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Des Moines is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. San Bernardino move
- Weather: San Berardino has mild winters and hot, dry summers. Relative to other areas in Southern California, winters are colder, with frost and with chilly to cold morning temperatures common.
- 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 โT 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 San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino
Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Bernardino.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Pointe
- Riverview
- North International
- Valley View
- Seccombe Lane
Best neighborhoods for families
- Riverview
- South Pointe
- Small Canyon
- Thompson
- Crossroads
Things to do in San Bernardino
After settling into your new California home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Bernardino has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Bernardino is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Original McDonald's Site and Museum, San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum, Norton AFB Museum, Inland Empire Military Museum, and Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Glen Helen Regional Park and Blair 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to San Bernardino?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to San Bernardino are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to San Bernardino?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to San Bernardino in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Des Moines to San Bernardino take?
Moving from Des Moines, IA to San Bernardino, CA covers 1,639 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Bernardino.
