Best overall value
Local moving companies in Chesapeake
- The Other Moving Company: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 915026
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 915026
Alternate Names: Other Moving Company, The
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3064442
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Virginia Beach
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 163678
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 1934458
Alternate Names: Harrison's Moving & Storage Co., Inc., Harrison's Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 076235
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World Wide Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3786641
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Of Newport News, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chesapeake to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Des Moines
Moving from Chesapeake to Des Moines comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Des Moines is generally more expensive than Chesapeake, 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:
| Chesapeake | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $375,209 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,882 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,656 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 36% lower than in Chesapeake, 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 48.7% lower than in Chesapeake. - Income in Des Moines is 7.9% lower than in Chesapeake, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
- The cost of living for a single person is the same in Des Moines and Chesapeake.
- 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 19.8% higher than in Chesapeake.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 18.00% higher than in Chesapeake.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Des Moines, since its sales taxes are 16.67% higher than what you are paying in Chesapeake.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 23.48% lower than in Chesapeake.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,014.35 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 249,422 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 21 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 35 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 25.0 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 70.88 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 180% greater than Chesapeake.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chesapeake's lower 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 they are 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.
Other things to consider for your Chesapeake 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 they’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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: 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 chosen Hartford of the West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East Village
- Woodland Heights
- Chautauqua Park
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Meredith
Things to do in Des Moines
Once you're settled into your new home in Iowa, it's time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chesapeake to Des Moines You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chesapeake.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chesapeake to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from Chesapeake to Des Moines are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chesapeake to Des Moines take?
The 1,206-mile journey from Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Chesapeake offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.
