($1,085) Cost to Move From Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA

1. Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. Apple Moving : 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. A Friendly & Affordable Mover: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chesapeake to Des Moines

When planning a move to Des Moines from Chesapeake, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,085 and $4,233. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,424 and $5,797 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,034 to $8,152.

Cost of moving containers from Chesapeake to Des Moines

When you’re heading from Chesapeake to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $850 and $2,059. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,507 and $3,055. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,146 to $4,336. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Virginia easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Des Moines

A moving rental truck from Chesapeake to Des Moines is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $741 to $1,330. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $762 to $1,714, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chesapeake to Des Moines costs around $1,007 to $2,070.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 36% less expensive in Des Moines than in Chesapeake, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 49% cheaper in Des Moines than in Chesapeake.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 8% less in Des Moines than in Chesapeake.
• As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Des Moines and Chesapeake, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
• When considering a family move to Des Moines, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 20% higher than in Chesapeake.
• Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than Chesapeake by about 18%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes in Des Moines surpass those in Chesapeake by 17%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 23% less in Iowa compared to Virginia, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Des Moines’s population is about 180% greater than Chesapeake.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Chesapeake’s score of 2.
• Des Moines is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chesapeake’s 21 out of 100.
• With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Chesapeake, 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 lower than Chesapeake with a score of 5.0 compared to Chesapeake’s 25.0. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
• Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 57.8 vs Chesapeake’s 70.88.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Chesapeake it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chesapeake and Des Moines are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in Iowa, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.

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

With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• 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, 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.