Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best KY→IA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 29 Kentucky moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Louisville to Des Moines

Overall, Louisville and Des Moines land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.

Singles average $1,891 in Des Moines and $1,862 in Louisville, while families in Des Moines see $4,380 versus $4,532 in Louisville.

Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:

	Louisville	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,220	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$2,120	$1,763
Average home value	$242,612	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$69,771	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$1,862	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,532	$4,380
Unemployment rate	5.0%	5.9%
Sales tax	6.0%	7.0%
State income tax	4.0%	4.4%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 8% less expensive in Des Moines than in Louisville, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 21% cheaper in Des Moines than in Louisville.
You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 16% less in Des Moines than in Louisville.
As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Des Moines and Louisville, you likely won't feel a significant change.
The cost of living for a family between Des Moines and Louisville remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Louisville by about 18%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
Sales taxes in Des Moines surpass those in Louisville by 17%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
Income taxes are 10% more in Iowa than in Kentucky. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Louisville versus Des Moines:

Living Expense	Louisville	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$225.63	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$56.73	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$3.02	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$2.61	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.50	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$80.00	$77.50
Gym membership	$22.00	$66.67

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Louisville than in Des Moines.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Louisville than in Des Moines.
Eggs are less expensive in Louisville than in Des Moines.
Bread is more expensive in Louisville than in Des Moines.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Louisville than in Des Moines.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Louisville than in Des Moines.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Louisville than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Louisville vs. Des Moines

	Louisville	Des Moines
Population	782,969	699,292
Transportation score	6	5
Walkability score	91	45
Bike friendliness score	79	39
Crime index	56.68	5.0
Safety index	43.32	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Des Moines's population is about 11% less than Louisville.
Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Louisville's score of 6.
Des Moines is less walkable than Louisville with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Louisville's 91 out of 100.
Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Louisville, which has a score of 79.
Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Louisville with a score of 5.0 compared to Louisville's 56.68. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 56.68%.
Des Moines is considered to be safer than Louisville with a safety index of 57.8 vs Louisville's 43.32.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Louisville it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Louisville to Des Moines move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
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 they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Des Moines

With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Sherman Hill
Downtown
East Village
North of Grand
Woodland Heights
Arbor Peaks
Chautauqua Park
Beaverdale
Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

Linden Heights
Waterbury
Waveland Park
Westwood
Salisbury Oaks
Meredith
Beaverdale

Things to do in Des Moines

With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Louisville to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Louisville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Louisville to Des Moines?

Want to save on your move from Louisville to Des Moines? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Louisville to Des Moines take?

The 588-mile move from Louisville, KY, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to six days. Some Louisville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

What kinds of discounts do Louisville movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Louisville?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 11 movers in Louisville provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 21 piano movers and 14 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.