Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Lexington to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Lexington to Des Moines
Moving from Lexington to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Lexington than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Lexington compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lexington | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,345 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $309,021 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,526 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,100 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,170 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 15% lower than in Lexington, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 37.8% lower than in Lexington. - Income in Des Moines is 4.9% lower than in Lexington, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 39.0% lower than in Lexington. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 5.0% higher than in Lexington.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 37.21% higher than in Lexington.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Lexington.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 10.00% higher than in Lexington.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,830.00 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lexington.
How life is different in Lexington vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Lexington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 320,347 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 90 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 85 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 50.88 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 49.12 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 118% greater than Lexington.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Lexington's lower score of 4.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Lexington with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Lexington's 90 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Lexington, which has a score of 85 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Lexington with a score of 5.0 compared to Lexington's 50.88. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Lexington with a safety index of 57.8 vs Lexington's 49.12.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Lexington it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lexington vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Iowa doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to "Hartford of the West"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
Once youโre settled into your new home in Iowa, itโs time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lexington to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Lexington to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lexington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lexington to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Lexington to Des Moines 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 Lexington to Des Moines take?
The 662-mile move from Lexington, KY, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to six days. Some Lexington movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
