Factors influencing moving costs from Manchester to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Manchester 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 Manchester to Des Moines can be as low as $1,686 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 10,355.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Manchester, 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 $980 to $2,460. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Manchester to Des Moines

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

Check out how Manchester compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Manchester Des Moines
Average rent cost $2,004 $1,150
Average home value $410,329 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $67,132 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $2,449 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,256 $4,380
Unemployment rate 3.8% 5.9%
Sales tax 0.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.0% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 43% lower than in Manchester, 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 53.1% lower than in Manchester.
  • Income in Des Moines is 12.9% lower than in Manchester, 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 22.8% lower than in Manchester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 16.7% lower than in Manchester.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 55.26% higher than in Manchester.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Des Moines are 7.00% higher than in Manchester.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 10.00% higher than in Manchester.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,316.46 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.

How life is different in Manchester vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Manchester
Population 699,292 115,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 45 51
Bike friendliness score 39 42
Crime Index 5.0 56.09
Safety Index 57.8 43.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • Des Moines's population is about 505% greater than Manchester.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Manchester's lower score of 3.
  • Des Moines is less walkable than Manchester with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Manchester's 51 out of 100.
  • Both Des Moines and Manchester have the same bike-friendliness score of 42 out of 100, meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as Manchester. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Manchester with a score of 5.0 compared to Manchester's 56.09. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be safer than Manchester with a safety index of 57.8 vs Manchester's 43.91.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Manchester it's good.

Other things to consider for your Manchester 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
  • North of Grand
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Chautauqua Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Linden Heights
  • Waterbury
  • Waveland Park
  • Salisbury Oaks
  • Meredith

Things to do in Des Moines

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Iowa, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • 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, 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€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Manchester to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Manchester 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 Manchester.

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

Because most people are moving from Manchester 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 Manchester to Des Moines take?

The 1,338-mile move from Manchester, NH, to Des Moines, IA, takes three to eight days. Some Manchester 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