($1,160) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN

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 Chattanooga

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Chattanooga will cost between $1,160 and $3,914. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to Des Moines will range from $2,212 to $5,468, and a large move from Des Moines to Chattanooga will cost from $3,980 to $7,815.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Chattanooga

If you’re moving from Des Moines to Chattanooga, expect to pay between $738 and $1,826 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,409 up to $2,584. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,853 and $3,542. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Chattanooga

Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Chattanooga is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $538 and $1,045. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $611 and $1,265. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $728 up to $1,490 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent is estimated to be 28% higher in Chattanooga compared to Des Moines; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
• Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 57% greater in Chattanooga than in Des Moines.
• Fortunately, the average income in Chattanooga and Des Moines is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chattanooga, since the cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 75% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Chattanooga and Des Moines, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
• The unemployment rates of Chattanooga and Des Moines are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
• Sales taxes rise by 32% in Chattanooga over Des Moines, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
• Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Chattanooga’s population is about 74% less than Des Moines.
• Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Chattanooga is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
• Chattanooga’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 53.89 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 46.11 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Tennessee doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chattanooga. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
• Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Southside
• Martin Luther King
• Fort Wood
• Lookout Mountain
• West Village

Best neighborhoods for families

• North Shore
• St. Elmo
• Lookout Mountain
• Highland Park
• Orchard Knob

Things to do in Chattanooga

Once you’re settled into your new home in Tennessee, it’s time to get out and discover what Chattanooga has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chattanooga, such as the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum – Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.