Jackson, MS to Des Moines, IA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MS→IA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Mississippi 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 Jackson to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Jackson - roughly 4% less for singles and 12% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $1,969 in Jackson. For a family of four, it's $4,380 compared with $4,990.

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

	Jackson	Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent	$867	$1,229
Average 3 BR rent	$2,167	$1,763
Average home value	$68,872	$192,347
Average income (per capita)	$57,848	$58,492
Cost of living (single)	$1,969	$1,891
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,990	$4,380
Unemployment rate	7.7%	5.9%
Sales tax	8.0%	7.0%
State income tax	4.7%	4.4%

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

Switching from Jackson to Des Moines won't strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 179% higher in Des Moines than in Jackson.
Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Jackson, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Des Moines and Jackson, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
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 12% lower than in Jackson.
With an unemployment rate approximately 23% lower than Jackson, Des Moines boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
Sales taxes are 13% lower in Des Moines than Jackson, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
Income taxes are 6% lower in Iowa than in Mississippi. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

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

Living Expense	Jackson	Des Moines
Basic utilities	$213.78	$144.82
Cell phone plan	$58.88	$51.25
Dozen eggs	$4.12	$3.61
Loaf of bread	$2.83	$2.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$15.00	$16.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$60.00	$77.50
Gym membership	$65.00	$66.67

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

How life is different in Jackson vs. Des Moines

	Jackson	Des Moines
Population	153,701	699,292
Transportation score	2	5
Walkability score	26	45
Bike friendliness score	33	39
Crime index	82.38	5.0
Safety index	17.62	57.8
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Des Moines's population is about 355% greater than Jackson.
Des Moines's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Jackson's score of 2.
Des Moines is more walkable than Jackson with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Jackson's 26 out of 100.
With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Jackson, which has a score of 33 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Jackson with a score of 5.0 compared to Jackson's 82.38. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jackson neighborhoods are safer than 82.38%.
Des Moines is considered to be safer than Jackson with a safety index of 57.8 vs Jackson's 17.62.
Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Jackson it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Jackson 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 Jackson to Des Moines?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Jackson to Des Moines?

With many people choosing to move from Jackson 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 Jackson to Des Moines take?

Covering 825 miles, the move from Jackson, MS to Des Moines, IA typically takes two to seven days. Some Jackson movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.

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

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Jackson, 4 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MS, there are 15 piano movers and 8 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.