Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Fargo to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Fargo to Des Moines
Moving from Fargo to Des Moines comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Des Moines is generally more expensive than Fargo, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fargo | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,055 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $287,548 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,566 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,299 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 9% higher than in Fargo, which means youโll have less 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 33.1% lower than in Fargo. - Income in Des Moines is 1.7% lower than in Fargo, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Des Moines, since the cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 20.8% higher than in Fargo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 32.8% higher than in Fargo.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 63.89% higher than in Fargo.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 6.67% lower than in Fargo.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 51.72% higher than in Fargo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,622.61 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fargo.
How life is different in Fargo vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Fargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 125,990 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 49 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 8.0 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 56.17 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 455% greater than Fargo.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Fargo's lower score of 4.
- Des Moines and Fargo are similarily walkable.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Fargo, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
- Des Moines and Fargo have a similar crime rate.
- Des Moines and Fargo are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Fargo it's good.
Other things to consider for your Fargo 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 regulationsโsome 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 theyโve 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Iowa, though it\โs 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 youโve 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
- East Village
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waterbury
- 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 Fargo to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Fargo 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 Fargo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Fargo 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 Fargo to Des Moines take?
The 477-mile move from Fargo, ND, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some Fargo movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
