($1,400) Movers From Harrisburg, PA to Des Moines, IA

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Des Moines

Moving from Harrisburg to Des Moines comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Des Moines is generally more expensive than Harrisburg, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Des Moines are 4% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 16.4% lower than in Harrisburg.
• Income in Des Moines is 20.2% lower than in Harrisburg, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Des Moines, since the cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 2.3% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re 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 21.3% higher than in Harrisburg.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 55.97% lower than in Harrisburg.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city’s sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Harrisburg.
• State income taxes in Des Moines are 43.32% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,068.14 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Des Moines

• Des Moines's population is about 1,296% greater than Harrisburg.
• Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's higher score of 6.
• Des Moines is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 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 Harrisburg, which has a score of 57 out of 100.
• Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 5.0 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 57.8 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
• Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg 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