Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Lafayette to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Des Moines
Moving from Lafayette to Des Moines comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Des Moines is generally more expensive than Lafayette, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lafayette | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,825 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $214,264 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,785 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,208 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.45% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 59% lower than in Lafayette, 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 10.2% lower than in Lafayette. - Income in Des Moines is 1.7% lower than in Lafayette, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Des Moines, since the cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 5.9% higher than in Lafayette. 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 4.1% higher than in Lafayette.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 1.72% higher than in Lafayette.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 25.93% lower than in Lafayette.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 3.53% higher than in Lafayette.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,178.15 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 121,374 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 47 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 45.75 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 54.25 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 476% greater than Lafayette.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Lafayette's lower score of 3.
- Des Moines and Lafayette are similarily walkable.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Lafayette with a score of 5.0 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
- Des Moines and Lafayette are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Lafayette it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette 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
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
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 Lafayette to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Lafayette 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 Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Des Moines take?
The 952-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to seven days. Some Lafayette movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
