Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Philadelphiatoggle

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 Philadelphia can be as low as $1,439 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,208.
  • 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 $841 to $2,034. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Philadelphia

Des Moines Philadelphia
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,695
Average home value $192,347 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $70,746
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,541
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $6,190
Unemployment rate 5.9% 10.6%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.0%
State income tax 4.4% 3.07%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 47% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Philadelphia are 12.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 20.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 34.4% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 41.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 79.66% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Philadelphia are 14.29% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Philadelphia are 30.23% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,031.20 in Philadelphia 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. Philadelphia

Philadelphia Des Moines
Population 1,603,797 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 5
Walkability score 75 45
Bike friendliness score 67 39
Crime Index 66.09 5.0
Safety Index 33.91 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Philadelphia's population is about 129% greater than Des Moines.
  • Philadelphia's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Philadelphia is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia 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.
  • Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 66.09 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 33.91 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

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

  • Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
  • 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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Philadelphia

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

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Cedar Park
  • Fishtown
  • Manayunk
  • Point Breeze
  • Washington Square West

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Bella Vista
  • Bustleton
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
  • Foxchase
  • Roxborough

Things to do in Philadelphiatoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Philadelphia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love 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 Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

The 1,076-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Philadelphia, PA, takes two to eight 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 Philadelphia.

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