($1,458) Movers From Oklahoma City, OK to Des Moines, IA

What to know before moving from Oklahoma City to Des Moines

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

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

• Rent prices in Des Moines are 8% lower than in Oklahoma 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 1.8% lower than in Oklahoma City.
• Income in Des Moines is 9.0% lower than in Oklahoma 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 12.0% lower than in Oklahoma City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 32.8% lower than in Oklahoma City.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 34.09% higher than in Oklahoma City.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city’s sales taxes in Des Moines are 18.89% lower than in Oklahoma City.
• One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 7.37% lower than in Oklahoma City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,638.60 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oklahoma City.

How life is different in Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines

• Des Moines's population is about the same as Oklahoma City.
• Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Oklahoma City's lower score of 3.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Oklahoma City with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Oklahoma City's 73 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 Oklahoma City, which has a score of 74 out of 100.
• Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Oklahoma City with a score of 5.0 compared to Oklahoma City's 49.37. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oklahoma City neighborhoods are safer than 49.37%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Oklahoma City with a safety index of 57.8 vs Oklahoma City's 50.63.
• Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Oklahoma City it's good.

Other things to consider for your Oklahoma 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