Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Des Moines
Moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 31% lower than in Grand Rapids, 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 41.4% lower than in Grand Rapids. - Income in Des Moines is 7.6% lower than in Grand Rapids, 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 64.5% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 38.8% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 37.21% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 3.53% higher than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,063.75 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 252% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher 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 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- 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 are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids 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
- Downtown
- North of Grand
- Chautauqua Park
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Meredith
- 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 Grand Rapids to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Des Moines take?
The 495-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
