Factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Miamitoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Miami might cost as little as $1,518, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $10,777.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Des Moines, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,078 to $2,807. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Miami

Moving from Des Moines to Miami comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Miami is generally more expensive than Des Moines, itโ€™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:

Des Moines Miami
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,990
Average home value $192,347 $579,925
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $54,858
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $3,103
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $7,450
Unemployment rate 5.9% 8.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Miami are 160% higher than in Des Moines, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
    Home prices in Miami are 201.5% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Miami is 6.2% lower than in Des Moines, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Miami include Royal Bank of Canada, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Miami, since the cost of living for a single person in Miami is 64.1% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Miami, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Miami is 70.1% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Miami is 40.68% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Miami and Des Moines.
  • One perk of moving to Miami is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,922.79 in Miami 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. Miami

Miami Des Moines
Population 442,241 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 77 45
Bike friendliness score 64 39
Crime Index 52.54 5.0
Safety Index 47.46 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Miami's population is about 37% less than Des Moines.
  • Miami's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
  • Miami is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 64 out of 100, Miami 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.
  • Miami's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 52.54 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Miami neighborhoods are safer than 52.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Miami is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 47.46 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Miami is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

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

  • Weather: There are two basic seasons in Miami, a hot and wet season from May through October, and a warm and dry season from November through April. During the hot and wet season, daily thundershowers occur in the humid unstable air masses. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, although hurricanes can develop beyond those dates. Be sure to check your weather app, especially during June through November to avoid hurricanes.
  • 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida 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 Miami. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Miami

Now that you've decided to make the move to "305", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Miami.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Coral Gables
  • Brickell
  • Little Havana
  • Wynwood

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Coconut Grove
  • Coral Gables
  • Kendall
  • Key Biscayne
  • Pinecrest

Things to do in Miami

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

  • Arts and culture: Miami is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Design District, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and Miami Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Bayfront Park, Tropical Park, Matheson Hammock Park, and Domino 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 Miami Dolphins (NFL), Inter Miami CF (MLS), Miami Marlins (MLB), or Florida Panthers (NHL) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Miami. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Miami, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Miami take?

The 1,557-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Miami, FL typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Miami.

Helpful moving resources