Best overall value
Local moving companies in Lafayette
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Acadiana Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Inaccurate estimates
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Careful handling
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Company Info
State license #: 7915
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 7508-A
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Baton Rouge
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Highly recommended
- Prompt/efficient service
- Affordable rates
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
- Misplaced or lost items
Company Info
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1996186
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that impact the cost of your Lafayette to Des Moines move
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Des Moines
Moving from Lafayette to Des Moines comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Des Moines is generally more expensive than Lafayette, it's 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 you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll 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 — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
- 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 you're 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.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city's 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Iowa doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
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
- North of Grand
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lafayette to Des Moines?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Lafayette to Des Moines. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Lafayette to Des Moines moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Lafayette to Des Moines take?
Covering 952 miles, the move from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA typically takes two to seven days. Some Lafayette movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.
