($1,139) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Lexington, KY

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Lexington

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Lexington, you can expect to spend between $1,139 and $3,692. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,184 to $5,282 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Lexington typically runs between $3,685 and $8,118.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Lexington

When moving from Des Moines to Lexington, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $720 and $1,809. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,348 to $2,583. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,734 up to $3,120. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Lexington

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Lexington. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $498 and $886. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $500 and $1,127. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $638 and $1,272.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Lexington, note that rent can be roughly 17% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 61% higher in Lexington than in Des Moines.
• The average income in Lexington and Des Moines is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Plan for higher expenses in Lexington, since the cost of living for a single person is 64% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Lexington and Des Moines, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
• Lexington experiences an unemployment rate that is about 27% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 14% lower in Lexington than in Des Moines. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Lexington can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 9% lower in Kentucky compared to Iowa. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Lexington’s population is about 54% less than Des Moines.
• Lexington’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Lexington is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 90 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 85 out of 100, Lexington 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 it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Lexington’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 50.88 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Lexington is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 49.12 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Lexington is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Kentucky doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Lexington smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
• Downtown Lexington
• Fairway-Liberty Heights
• Georgetown
• Mount Vernon-Hollywood-Montclair

Best neighborhoods for families

• Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
• Fairway-Liberty Heights
• Georgetown
• Paris
• Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates

Things to do in Lexington

After getting comfortable in your new Kentucky home, it’s time to see what Lexington is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Lexington offers cultural landmarks like the Kentucky Horse Park, Mary Todd Lincoln House, Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, and The Aviation Museum of Kentucky.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s The Arboretum, Thoroughbred Park, Jacobson Park, and Masterson Station Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Lexington Legends (ALPB)Lexington SC (USL League One) game.