Factors influencing moving costs from Winston-Salem to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Winston-Salem movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Winston-Salem to Des Moines can be as low as $1,292 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,656.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Winston-Salem, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $780 to $2,079. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Des Moines

Moving from Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Winston-Salem compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Winston-Salem Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,300 $1,150
Average home value $248,806 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $62,431 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $2,420 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,265 $4,380
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.9%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 12% lower than in Winston-Salem, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
    Home prices in Des Moines are 22.7% lower than in Winston-Salem.
  • Income in Des Moines is 6.3% lower than in Winston-Salem, 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 21.9% lower than in Winston-Salem. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 16.8% lower than in Winston-Salem.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 13.46% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Des Moines and Winston-Salem.
  • One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 2.22% lower than in Winston-Salem.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,344.21 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Winston-Salem.

How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Winston-Salem
Population 699,292 249,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 45 22
Bike friendliness score 39 29
Crime Index 5.0 32.67
Safety Index 57.8 67.33
Air Quality Good Good
  • Des Moines's population is about 180% greater than Winston-Salem.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Winston-Salem's lower score of 3.
  • Des Moines is more walkable than Winston-Salem with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Winston-Salem's 22 out of 100.
  • With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Winston-Salem, which has a score of 29 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Winston-Salem with a score of 5.0 compared to Winston-Salem's 32.67. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Winston-Salem with a score of 57.8 vs Winston-Salem's 67.33.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Winston-Salem it's good.

Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”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 theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Iowa, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toDes 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Hartford of the West" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • East Village
  • Woodland Heights
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Linden Heights
  • Waterbury
  • Waveland Park
  • Meredith
  • Beaverdale

Things to do in Des Moines

After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, itโ€™s time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • 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, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem.

When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Des Moines?

Because most people are moving from Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem to Des Moines take?

The 1,003-mile move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some Winston-Salem movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources