Factors influencing moving costs from Harrisburg to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Des Moines can be as low as $1,387 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,202.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Harrisburg, 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 $804 to $1,980. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Des Moines

Harrisburg Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,150
Average home value $230,038 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $4,380
Unemployment rate 13.4% 5.9%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 3.07% 4.4%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 4% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Home prices in Des Moines are 16.4% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Des Moines is 20.2% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 2.3% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • 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.
  • 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 Harrisburg
Population 699,292 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 45 68
Bike friendliness score 39 57
Crime Index 5.0 64.18
Safety Index 57.8 35.82
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • 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 lower 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hartford of the West", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Sherman Hill
  • Downtown
  • East Village
  • North of Grand
  • Woodland Heights
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Chautauqua Park
  • Beaverdale
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Des Moinestoggle

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.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg.

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

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

The 976-mile move from Harrisburg, PA, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to seven days. Some Harrisburg 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

Harrisburg moving services

Popular Pennsylvania routes

Popular moving resources