Factors influencing moving costs from Cleveland to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Cleveland 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 Cleveland to Des Moines can be as low as $1,499 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,455.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Cleveland, 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 $600 to $1,407. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Cleveland to Des Moines

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

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

Cleveland Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,150
Average home value $108,509 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $64,965 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $2,490 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,729 $4,380
Unemployment rate 6.8% 5.9%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.0%
State income tax 3.5% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 11% lower than in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland.
    Home prices in Des Moines are 77.3% higher than in Cleveland.
  • Income in Des Moines is 10.0% lower than in Cleveland, 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 24.1% lower than in Cleveland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 34.9% lower than in Cleveland.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 13.24% lower than in Cleveland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Des Moines are 12.50% lower than in Cleveland.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 25.71% higher than in Cleveland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,278.31 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cleveland.

How life is different in Cleveland vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Cleveland
Population 699,292 372,624
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 45 57
Bike friendliness score 39 52
Crime Index 5.0 63.41
Safety Index 57.8 36.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Des Moines's population is about 88% greater than Cleveland.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Cleveland's higher score of 8.
  • Des Moines is less walkable than Cleveland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Cleveland's 57 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 Cleveland, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Cleveland with a score of 5.0 compared to Cleveland's 63.41. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be safer than Cleveland with a safety index of 57.8 vs Cleveland's 36.59.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Cleveland it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Cleveland 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
  • North of Grand
  • Woodland Heights
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Chautauqua Park

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Des Moines

After settling into your new Iowa home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Cleveland to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Cleveland 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 Cleveland.

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

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

The 661-mile move from Cleveland, OH, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to six days. Some Cleveland 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