($1,157) Cost to Move From Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
3. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. A Friendly & Affordable Mover: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Tidal Town Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Virginia Beach to Des Moines

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Virginia Beach to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,157 and $4,654. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,609 to $6,116 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Virginia Beach to Des Moines typically runs between $4,389 and $7,955.

Cost of moving containers from Virginia Beach to Des Moines

When moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $924 and $2,262. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,560 to $3,322. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,199 up to $4,104. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Virginia.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia Beach to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck in Virginia Beach is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $767 and $1,406. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $846 and $1,739. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,001 and $2,079.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 41% lower in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 52% lower in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 29% less in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 58% less than in Virginia Beach.
• Moving to Des Moines could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 26% less than in Virginia Beach.
• The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 23% higher compared to Virginia Beach, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 17% higher in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 23% lower in Iowa compared to Virginia. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Des Moines’s population is about 53% greater than Virginia Beach.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Virginia Beach’s score of 3.
• Des Moines is more walkable than Virginia Beach with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Virginia Beach’s 33 out of 100.
• Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Virginia Beach, which has a score of 42.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Virginia Beach with a score of 5.0 compared to Virginia Beach’s 42.0. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
• Des Moines and Virginia Beach have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 58.0.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Virginia Beach it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Iowa doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.