Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Atlantatoggle

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 Atlanta can be as low as $1,463 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,512.
  • 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 $722 to $1,803. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Atlanta

Des Moines Atlanta
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,900
Average home value $192,347 $388,167
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $66,107
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $3,134
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $7,822
Unemployment rate 5.9% 6.0%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.9%
State income tax 4.4% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Atlanta are 65% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Atlanta are 101.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Atlanta is 13.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Atlanta is 65.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 78.6% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 1.69% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Atlanta are 27.14% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Atlanta are 24.77% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,971.97 in Atlanta 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. Atlanta

Atlanta Des Moines
Population 498,715 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 48 45
Bike friendliness score 42 39
Crime Index 64.23 5.0
Safety Index 35.77 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Atlanta's population is about 29% less than Des Moines.
  • Atlanta's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Atlanta is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 42 out of 100, Atlanta 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.
  • Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 64.23 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Atlanta is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 35.77 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

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

  • Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
  • 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Georgia 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 Atlanta. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Atlanta

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

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Cabbagetown
  • Inman Park
  • Midtown
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Virginia-Highland

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Avondale Estates
  • Buckhead
  • Candler Park
  • Decatur
  • Druid Hills
  • Inman Park
  • Mountain Park
  • North Decatur
  • Poncey-Highland
  • Virginia-Highland

Things to do in Atlantatoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Atlanta is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Hammonds House Museum, and Atlanta History Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant 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 Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), or Atlanta United (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

The 894-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Atlanta, GA, takes two to seven 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 Atlanta.

Helpful moving resources