($1,739) Movers From Portland, OR to Des Moines, IA

What to know before moving from Portland to Des Moines

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

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

• Rent prices in Des Moines are 25% lower than in Portland, 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 63.2% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Des Moines is 31.9% lower than in Portland, 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 26.5% lower than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 27.9% lower than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 14.49% lower than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city’s sales taxes in Des Moines are 7.00% higher than in Portland.
• One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 55.56% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,205.68 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Des Moines

• Des Moines's population is about 7% greater than Portland.
• Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Portland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 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 Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
• Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 5.0 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 57.8 vs Portland's 42.63.
• Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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