Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Des Moines
Moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 52% lower than in Washington DC, 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 67.6% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Des Moines is 42.5% lower than in Washington DC, 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 52.3% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 60.5% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 15.71% lower than in Washington DC.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 23.48% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,431.49 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 705,749 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 60.37 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 39.63 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about the same as Washington DC.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 5.0 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 57.8 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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
- Downtown
- North of Grand
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, itโs time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- 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 cityโs Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ 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 Washington DC to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Des Moines take?
The 1,013-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
