Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Des Moines
Moving from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Ann Arbor compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Ann Arbor | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,260 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $474,909 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,176 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,344 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 49% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 59.5% lower than in Ann Arbor. - Income in Des Moines is 12.7% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 13.1% lower than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 18.0% lower than in Ann Arbor.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 68.57% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 3.53% higher than in Ann Arbor.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,607.08 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 123,851 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 71 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 31.0 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 79.18 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Des Moines's population is about 465% greater than Ann Arbor.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher 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 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
- 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 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
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Salisbury Oaks
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- 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, 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 sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Des Moines take?
The 557-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to six days. Some Ann Arbor movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
