Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Tulsa to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Tulsa to Des Moines
Moving from Tulsa 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 Tulsa than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Tulsa compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tulsa | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,199 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $199,876 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $52,438 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,700 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $2,850 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.52% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.75% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 4% lower than in Tulsa, which means youโll have more 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 3.8% lower than in Tulsa. - Income in Des Moines is 11.5% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more 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 30.0% lower than in Tulsa. 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 53.7% higher than in Tulsa.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 25.53% higher than in Tulsa.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 17.84% lower than in Tulsa.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 7.37% lower than in Tulsa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,101.11 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.
How life is different in Tulsa vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Tulsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 413,066 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 47 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 51.94 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 48.06 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 69% greater than Tulsa.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Tulsa's lower score of 4.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Tulsa with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Tulsa's 39 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 Tulsa, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Tulsa with a score of 5.0 compared to Tulsa's 51.94. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tulsa neighborhoods are safer than 51.94%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Tulsa with a safety index of 57.8 vs Tulsa's 48.06.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Tulsa it's good.
Other things to consider for your Tulsa 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
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
Things to do in Des Moines
After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, itโs time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art 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 and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Tulsa 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 Tulsa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tulsa to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Tulsa 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 Tulsa to Des Moines take?
The 460-mile move from Tulsa, OK, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some Tulsa movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
