($1,102) Cost to Move From Columbia, SC to Des Moines, IA

1. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
3. JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Des Moines

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $1,102 and $4,375. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,432 to $5,497 for the trip from Columbia to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,202 and $7,369.

Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Des Moines

Moving containers from Columbia to Des Moines will cost you $849 to $2,073 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,568 to $3,160. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,159 to $3,848. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $691 and $1,287 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $777 to $1,515. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $900 to $1,977.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• When relocating from Columbia to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 21% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
• You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 13% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Columbia.
• Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 10% lower in Des Moines compared to Columbia.
• Since the cost of living for a single person in both Des Moines and Columbia is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
• The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Columbia, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
• Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Columbia by around 13%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
• Sales taxes are 13% less in Des Moines relative to Columbia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
• Income taxes in Iowa are 37% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.

• Des Moines’s population is about 412% greater than Columbia.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbia, making them very similar.
• Des Moines is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 5.0 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 57.8 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.

• 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Des Moines

After settling into your new Iowa home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

• Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.