Factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Las Vegastoggle

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 Las Vegas might cost as little as $1,503, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $9,701.
  • 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 $1,076 to $2,732. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Las Vegas

Moving from Des Moines to Las Vegas comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,850
Average home value $192,347 $425,474
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $66,356
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,763
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $6,726
Unemployment rate 5.9% 8.9%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.38%
State income tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Las Vegas are 61% 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 Las Vegas are 121.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Las Vegas is 13.4% higher than in Des Moines, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Las Vegas include MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Las Vegas, since the cost of living for a single person in Las Vegas is 46.1% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Las Vegas, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Las Vegas is 53.6% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Las Vegas is 50.85% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Las Vegas, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Las Vegas are 19.71% higher than in Des Moines.
  • One perk of moving to Las Vegas 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 $4,383.40 in Las Vegas 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. Las Vegas

Las Vegas Des Moines
Population 641,903 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 93 45
Bike friendliness score 64 39
Crime Index 55.8 5.0
Safety Index 44.2 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Las Vegas's population is about 8% less than Des Moines.
  • Las Vegas's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
  • Las Vegas is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 93 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 64 out of 100, Las Vegas 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.
  • Las Vegas's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 55.8 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Las Vegas neighborhoods are safer than 55.8% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Las Vegas is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 44.2 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Las Vegas is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Las Vegas move

  • Weather: Las Vegas has extremely hot summers; warm transitional seasons; and short winters with mild days and cool nights. June through September are extremely hot, though moderated by extremely low humidity. Las Vegas winters are short and generally very mild, with chilly (but rarely cold) daytime temperatures. Be sure to check your weather app during July as it is the hottest month in Las Vegas.
  • 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: Movers that provide relocation services within the Silver State are subject to rules and regulations set forth by the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). The NTAโ€™s aims include fostering economic growth and promoting efficient, safe, and reliable moving services around the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Nevada moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Nevada 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 Las Vegas. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection, the cost-free choice provided by movers, albeit with minimal coverage. Movers take responsibility for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover misplaced or damaged a valuable item like a 30-pound sculpture, you would only receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, explore alternative options with your selected moving company or consider consulting 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 Las Vegas

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Sin City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Las Vegas.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Green Valley South
  • Rancho Charleston
  • Summerlin
  • Tule Springs

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Anthem
  • Centennial Hills
  • Green Valley Ranch
  • Summerlin
  • Tule Springs

Things to do in Las Vegas

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

  • Arts and culture: Las Vegas is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Mob Museum, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Shelby American, Inc., Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum, and Pinball Hall of Fame.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Springs Preserve, The Park, Exploration Peak Park, and Lone Mountain 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 Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), or Las Vegas Aces (WNBA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Las Vegas?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas take?

The 1,414-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Las Vegas, NV typically takes three to eight 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 Las Vegas.

Helpful moving resources