Ann Arbor, MI to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MI→IA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 84 Michigan movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Ann Arbor - roughly 13% less for singles and 18% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,176 in Ann Arbor. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $5,344.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Ann Arbor	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$1,831	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$3,763	$1,763
Average home value	$474,909	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$66,964	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$2,176	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,344	$4,380
Unemployment rate	3.5%	5.9%
Sales tax	6.0%	7.0%
State income tax	4.25%	4.4%

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

Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Ann Arbor, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 49% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
With home prices being nearly 59% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 13% lower in Des Moines than in Ann Arbor.
Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 13% less compared to Ann Arbor.
Relocating to Des Moines could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 18% lower than in Ann Arbor.
The unemployment rate in Des Moines exceeds that of Ann Arbor by about 69%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
Sales taxes in Des Moines exceed those in Ann Arbor by 17%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
Income taxes are similar in Iowa and Michigan (within about 5%), so your paycheck deductions should stay consistent, offering a level of financial predictability as you transition between states.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Ann Arbor and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	Ann Arbor	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$158.05	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$48.64	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$2.70	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$3.60	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$15.00	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$75.00	$77.50
Gym membership	$44.00	$66.67

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines.
Eggs are less expensive in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines.
Bread is more expensive in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines.
A quick meal is cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Ann Arbor than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Des Moines

	Ann Arbor	Des Moines
Population	123,851	699,292
Transportation score	7	5
Walkability score	52	45
Bike friendliness score	71	39
Crime index	31.0	5.0
Safety index	79.18	57.8
Air quality	Moderate	Good

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

Des Moines's population is about 465% greater than Ann Arbor.
Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Ann Arbor's score of 7.
Des Moines is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 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 Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71.
Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Ann Arbor with a score of 5.0 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 57.8 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Ann Arbor it's Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor to Des Moines move

HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Iowa, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
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: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

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
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

Now that you've made the move to Iowa, it's the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

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, and Salisbury House.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Des Moines?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Ann Arbor to Des Moines. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Ann Arbor.

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Des Moines?

With many people choosing to move from Ann Arbor to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Ann Arbor to Des Moines take?

Covering 557 miles, the move from Ann Arbor, MI to Des Moines, IA typically takes one to six days. Some Ann Arbor movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in Ann Arbor offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.

Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.

How many movers in Ann Arbor can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Ann Arbor, 20 movers can handle pianos. 7 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.