($1,168) Cost to Move From Grand Rapids, MI to Des Moines, IA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
2. Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
5. H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Des Moines

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Grand Rapids, you can expect prices to land between $1,168 and $3,126. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,048 to $5,283 for the trip from Grand Rapids to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,836 and $8,041.

Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Des Moines

Moving containers from Grand Rapids to Des Moines will cost you $638 to $1,531 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,174 to $2,380. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,515 to $2,849. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Grand Rapids to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck from Grand Rapids to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $409 and $705 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $407 to $845. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $544 to $1,039.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• When relocating from Grand Rapids to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 31% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
• You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 41% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Grand Rapids.
• Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 8% lower in Des Moines compared to Grand Rapids.
• You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 65% lower compared to Grand Rapids.
• A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than what it costs in Grand Rapids.
• Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Grand Rapids by around 37%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
• Sales taxes in Des Moines are 17% more than in Grand Rapids, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
• Income taxes have a close resemblance in Iowa and Michigan, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.

• Des Moines’s population is about 252% greater than Grand Rapids.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Grand Rapids’s score of 6.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 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 Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 5.0 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
• Des Moines and Grand Rapids have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 55.77.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll 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: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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.

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

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: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.