($1,275) Movers From Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA

What to know before moving from Jersey City to Des Moines

Moving from Jersey City to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Jersey City than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Des Moines are 61% lower than in Jersey City, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
  Home prices in Des Moines are 67.4% lower than in Jersey City.
• Income in Des Moines is 22.3% lower than in Jersey City, 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 57.0% lower than in Jersey City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 55.6% lower than in Jersey City.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 28.92% lower than in Jersey City.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city’s sales taxes in Des Moines are 5.58% higher than in Jersey City.
• One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 58.88% lower than in Jersey City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,290.20 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jersey City.

How life is different in Jersey City vs. Des Moines

• Des Moines's population is about 139% greater than Jersey City.
• Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Jersey City's higher score of 9.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 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 Jersey City, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
• Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Jersey City with a score of 5.0 compared to Jersey City's 43.21. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21%.
• Des Moines and Jersey City are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Jersey City it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Jersey City 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 regulations—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 they’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\’s license by visiting the state'spublic 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: 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 you’ve chosen "Hartford of the West" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.

Helpful moving resources