Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to San Diegotoggle

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 San Diego can be as low as $1,476 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,223.
  • 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 $1,191 to $3,201. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to San Diego

Des Moines San Diego
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,881
Average home value $192,347 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $72,963
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $3,346
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $7,719
Unemployment rate 5.9% 6.6%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.75%
State income tax 4.4% 13.3%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in San Diego are 151% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in San Diego are 421.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in San Diego is 24.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 76.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 76.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 11.86% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in San Diego are 10.71% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,308.30 in San Diego 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 Diego

San Diego Des Moines
Population 1,386,932 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 53 45
Bike friendliness score 43 39
Crime Index 39.83 5.0
Safety Index 60.17 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • San Diego's population is about 98% greater than Des Moines.
  • San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • San Diego is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 43 out of 100, San Diego 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.
  • San Diego's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 39.83 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • San Diego is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 60.17 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. San Diego move

  • Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
  • 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 San Diego. 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 Diego

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Diego.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Hillcrest
  • North Park
  • Ocean Beach
  • Pacific Beach

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Carmel Valley
  • Del Mar Heights
  • Loma Portal
  • Rancho Bernardo
  • Rancho Penasquitos

Things to do in San Diegotoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: San Diego is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural 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 San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to San Diego?

The best time to move from Des Moines to San Diego 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 San Diego?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to San Diego 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 San Diego take?

The 1,744-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to San Diego, CA, takes four to 15 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 San Diego.

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