Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Chattanoogatoggle

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 Chattanooga can be as low as $1,354 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,488.
  • 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 $648 to $1,711. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Chattanooga

Des Moines Chattanooga
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,475
Average home value $192,347 $302,565
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $60,164
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $3,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,350
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.6%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.25%
State income tax 4.4% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Chattanooga are 28% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Chattanooga are 57.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Chattanooga is 2.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 74.5% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Chattanooga and Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 5.08% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Chattanooga are 32.14% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Chattanooga are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,235.33 in Chattanooga 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. Chattanooga

Chattanooga Des Moines
Population 181,099 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 29 45
Bike friendliness score 35 39
Crime Index 53.89 5.0
Safety Index 46.11 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Chattanooga's population is about 74% less than Des Moines.
  • Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower 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 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
  • 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.

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

  • Weather: May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee 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 Chattanooga. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Chattanooga

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Scenic City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chattanooga.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Chattanoogatoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Chattanooga is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum - Honest Charley, Hunter Museum of American Art, and International Towing and Recovery Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross's Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam 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 Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League) and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

The 776-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Chattanooga, TN, 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 Chattanooga.

Helpful moving resources

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